Zandberg accuses SSA of ‘favouritism’

Gerhard Zandberg has criticized Swimming South Africa (SSA) for what he is referring to as unfair treatment and double standards.

The 31-year-old Zandberg was hauled in front of a disciplinary committee last year, during the World Swimming Championships in Barcelona after he switched hotel rooms without permission. He opted to share a room with his girlfriend as he was worried about catching flu from his roommate, Cameron van der Burgh.

His disciplinary hearing was held at 11pm, the night before his 50m backstroke semifinal event. As a result Zandberg was handed a two-year suspension by SSA in May, but he has since won his appeal and lamented SSA for double standards.

Zandberg is referring to two swimmers sent home from a training camp in Italy recently for allegedly having sex, four times, in front of a minor. The female swimmer was part of the South African contingent to participate at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month.

“I love swimming and have the sport’s best interest at heart, but I feel all swimmers must be treated equally,’ said Zandberg.

“I was given a two-year ban and was initially told that I had to pay a fine of $10 000 (about R110 000) which was later reduced to R10 000.

“I had to appeal as I found the suspension unfair and am now sitting with legal costs of R80 000.

“At least I did win the case, but for these swimmers just to be sent home and nothing else, I find it very unfair.

“I somehow think there is favouritism involved here, because the one swimmer trains with Graham Hill and the other one is with Igor Omeltchenko, who is also one of the top coaches in South Africa.”