Kings CEO Charl Crous says he is positive that player salaries will be paid for November, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Although Saru recently stepped in to take control of the cash-strapped franchise ahead of their re-entry into Vodacom Super Rugby, the Eastern Province Rugby Union remains responsible for current salary payments.

October salaries are still outstanding, while it remains to be seen if November’s payments will be made on time by Tuesday (1 December).

Although Crous said he wasn’t able to commit to a timeline, he remained hopeful that the cash-flow problems would soon be resolved.

‘We’re confident that funds will be available to pay out November salaries imminently,’ he told SARugbymag.co.za. ‘The immediate focus is to get this month’s current salaries paid out, and then we will hopefully be in a position to look at addressing the shortfall from previous months.’

Saru’s planning for the Kings is now nearing completion, with a task team having met to address issues around on-field and off-field structures, the details of which will be revealed this week.

‘I feel that things are looking up, we’ve met with Saru, and they are now in the process of implementing their plans for next season,’ Crous commented.

South African Rugby Players’ Association spokesman Nyaniso Sam said they were continuing to monitor the situation closely.

‘It’s important for the players to know where things stand, and so we will continue to keep the communication lines open to ensure everyone is informed about the salary status as payday arrives.’

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images