Team dietician Zeenat Simjee has denied claims that she was romantically involved with Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies in the build-up to a Rugby Championship Test in August.
According to an article in the Afrikaans weekly newspaper, Rapport, the 46-Test playmaker allegedly spent a tumultuous night with Simjee at a bed and breakfast in the week leading up to the clash against the All Blacks in Nelspruit.
Though an official statement from SA Rugby said the duo had not broken team protocols, Simjee and Jantjies left the Bok camp in Buenos Aires to face questions around the allegations of an affair and avoid becoming a distraction to the squad readying for a Rugby Championship showdown with Argentina on Saturday.
READ: Jantjies refutes allegations
Simjee reportedly released a statement on Friday in which she claimed to have been with her parents at the time in question and demanded an apology from Rapport.
Her statement was reported as follows:
“I am the subject of some extremely negative media reports over the last week, tarnishing me personally and degrading my dignity.
“I appreciate the support of my fellow Springbok management team members who concurred with my choice to return home to work through this with the support of my family and relevant professionals.
“I chose to maintain a dignified silence while the media storm was raging, as I am severely traumatised by what has transpired.
“Let me unequivocally state that I am shocked at the level of sensational journalism from the newspaper that first published the article. I am devastated by the fact that a journalist and his newspaper could publish such damaging allegations on false and baseless hearsay. It is disappointing.
“As a young professional, I hold my profession in high regard. In the same light, it is an honour and privilege to represent my country and be part of the Springbok team. As a person of values, I will not bring about disrepute to myself, my family, my profession and all the many incredible people that have been kind, positive and supportive towards me throughout this ordeal.
“The weekend ahead of the Test week in Mbombela, I had been with my parents dealing with family bereavement. So, the allegations of me spending time with Elton Jantjies at a guesthouse is devoid of any truth.
“This has cast an extremely negative aspersion and disgraceful perspective on my character to which other media houses have also added their perspective. I appeal to the original publisher to retract and apologise for the negative sentiment cast on me.
“I am committed to the Springbok team and would like to expediently get this behind me so I can continue with my professional responsibilities to the Springbok team.”
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Photo: Gallo Images
