Embattled Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has reportedly owned up to having had an affair with team dietician Zeenat Simjee, but denies enrolling for drug rehabilitation.
Speaking to News24, Jantjies’ wife Iva Ristic said she was “grateful that Elton admitted the affair” to her when he returned to Japan in September.
The veteran playmaker was sent home from Argentina last month after being accused of having an affair with Simjee and was overlooked for the end-of-year tour to Europe with the Boks in November.
According to Rapport newspaper, the two stayed in a guest house together in Mbombela before the Bok Test against the All Blacks in August, but both denied reports of an affair.
ALSO: Elton checks into drug rehab
Jantjies also rubbished reports that he had booked himself into a drug rehabilitation centre.
“This has not been an easy ride for me. I’ve had to take a really hard look at my life and the choices I made in the past,” Jantjies told News24.
“I know my actions have caused a great deal of pain to everyone, especially my wife who has always been by my side. I have apologised to her and have made it my mission to make it up to her for as long as I live.
“I deeply regret allowing [representatives] to tell a story that I should’ve clearly handled myself. The statement put out into the media was not written by me; I understand that at the time, a statement needed to be issued on the articles being published about me.
MORE: Jantjies reacts to Bok omission
“I also noted that I was portrayed to be a drug addict with mental health issues. I can proudly say I have no mental health issues, and I was never in a rehab centre for drug abuse.”
Iva added: “These past few weeks and months have been a rollercoaster for us. I have had to move my kids out of their previous schools because of the media attention they were constantly receiving. It really has not been an easy ride for all of us, but our main priority right now is our kids.
“I always had my suspicions because there were plenty of times when I would wonder where his money is going. The multiple flights booked for the two of them only and the separate hotels they have been booking for months when on the Boks tour was just one of the many signs that this affair was going on for a while.
“I am hurt and deeply disappointed in both of them. I understand that the affair has been going on for very long, but right now we just want to do right by the kids and move on.
“This chapter of our lives has been dragging on for too long and I just want it to be done so we can all move on. I don’t think I will ever be romantically involved with Elton again.”
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
