After Elton Jantjies told his wife and the public about his affair, Zeenat Simjee, the dietician for the Springbok team, may have to take another flight back home.
According to News24, Simjee has been in meetings with SA rugby officials in Toulon to discuss her immediate and long-term future on the team. She faces being sent home from the Bok’s European tour after this weekend’s match against France.
Simjee and Jantjies were the subjects of a media storm after it was reported by Rapport that the pair allegedly spent a romantic evening in a guesthouse in Mbombela ahead of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks.
Both parties had initially denied the affair and a dual press release was sent, which Jantjies now deems “a mistake”.
In an exclusive interview with News24, Jantjies expressed his regret regarding the press release.
“I deeply regret allowing [representatives] to tell a story I should’ve clearly handled myself. The statement put out in 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.”
At the time of the accusations, Simjee and Jantjies were sent home from Argentina where the team were preparing for a test match against the Pumas.
Jantjies also refuted reports that he had booked himself into a drug rehabilitation centre.
“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… I am working on clearing my name of the slander I have been experiencing lately.”
Jantjies subsequently reported that he had checked himself into the Harmony Clinic rehabilitation centre in Cape Town to treat his insomnia and rugby injuries.
“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,” says Jantjies regarding his marriage.
“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.”
According to News24, Jantjies expressed his bitterness in the interview, saying he has “gone through hell” while Simjee’s life “has carried on as normal”.
Simjee had subsequently rejoined the team after the scandal broke out. She has been on tour with the Springboks in Ireland and France, while Jantjies was overlooked for the end-of-year tour to Europe this month.
The report added that “numerous attempts to reach Simjee, including on social media, were unsuccessful”.
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