Exciting changes are happening in African football, with Rulani Mokwena reportedly set to sign a twoyear contract with Moroccan team Wydad Casablanca. Mokwena, the exHead Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, is known for his distinct coaching style and ability to gather fan loyalty. The anticipated deal allows him to choose up to three members of his technical team and is expected to be announced soon, marking a promising new chapter in African football.
Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s top football teams, is searching for a new head coach for the upcoming season. Molefi Ntseki, the previous coach, faced criticism for his lack of experience despite having led Bafana Bafana. His term was terminated before the halfway point due to poor results, and Cavin Johnson took over temporarily, securing a few wins. The club is now considering both domestic and foreign candidates, including Vladimir Vermezovic, who previously led the team to victory. Fans are eagerly anticipating a quick resolution to the coaching dilemma.
Ruan Pienaar is a rugby legend who is now transitioning from being a player to a coach. He will be joining the coaching crew of Free State U21 as the backline and attack coach. Pienaar’s objective is to elevate the skill level necessary to implement the game plan preferred by the Toyota Cheetahs and foster the development of future senior players. As Pienaar gears up for his coaching initiation, the SA Rugby U21 Cup is scheduled to commence on Friday, 3 May.
Chiefs are struggling to convince celebrated coach Pitso Mosimane to join their team due to his high salary demands, but they must find a way to recruit him to rejuvenate the struggling team. Mosimane recently signed a shortterm contract with Abha Club in Saudi Arabia, but rumors suggest Chiefs are still interested in him and may try to secure him at the start of the next season. Mosimane has previously ruled out coaching an African club, but it remains to be seen if a compelling project could change his mind.
The appointment of Jerry Flannery as the defensive coach for South Africa’s rugby union team is a promising move that could positively impact the team and the wider rugby community. With his experience as a player and coach, and the support of former Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber, Flannery’s contributions extend beyond vague promises. His appointment signifies a harmonization of ambitions and expertise, with potential for improved performance and strategic expansion.
Jerry Flannery, former Ireland hooker and assistant coach at Harlequins, has been appointed as the new defence coach of the Springbok team. His past involvement with the team during the World Cup preparations, familiarity with coach Rassie Erasmus’ style of operation, and experience as an international hooker make him the perfect fit for the role. Flannery’s appointment, along with the addition of Tony Brown as the attack coach, signals an exciting shift in the strategic direction of the Springbok team.
Tony Brown, a former AllBlack flyhalf, is the new assistant coach for the Springboks, bringing a fresh and exciting phase to South African rugby. Brown previously worked as Japan’s assistant coach and head coach of the Highlanders, where he honed his attacking skills. The Springboks’ veteran players, Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger, have praised the move, with Burger highlighting Brown’s innovative approach to coaching. With a diverse coaching staff and Brown’s expertise, the Springboks are set for an optimistic future with an enhanced gameplay.
Rugby legend Duane Vermeulen sparked rumors of a coaching appointment with the Bulls after appearing at a recent training session, but it has been revealed that his focus remains with WP Rugby and the Stormers. He has been in talks with the Stormers about a possible role as a defense and maul advisor. Vermeulen’s technical expertise and leadership abilities make him a valuable asset in the coaching world, and his actions have caught the attention of several franchises.
Zane Kirchner, a former Springbok player, is now the head coach of the South Western Districts Eagles, a powerful team in the Currie Cup First Division. He has been sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the team as an assistant coach, and his promotion to the chief coach’s seat is a perfect fit. Born and raised in George, Kirchner is a humble and committed individual, ready to help his players reach their maximum potential. His illustrious career as a player and his leadership off the field make him an ideal leader for the Eagles.
Pitso Mosimane is a skilled football strategist who has turned down an offer from Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa to become a head coach for a Saudi team, after aligning the club’s objectives with his own principles. Mosimane places great importance on understanding a team’s aspirations and vision before committing to them, and values a balance between professional ambitions and personal life. His career decisions reflect a union of opportunity and principles, and his insights offer a glimpse into the person behind the coach.
Jacques Nienaber, the World Cupwinning coach, has become the top coach at Leinster and has led the Irish team to dominate the United Rugby Championship standings and the Champions Cup pool. Nienaber’s meticulous planning and inspirational aura have earned him admiration from the team players, including Ireland’s Josh Van der Flier. However, reports suggest that Nienaber’s stay with Leinster may not be permanent as he might return to the Boks as early as 2026. Nienaber left the Springboks to maintain a balanced life and spend more time with his family.
Football coach Pitso Mosimane is considering various offers from Asia, North America, and Eastern Europe, and is even open to leading a national team within Africa. However, a potential move to local club Kaizer Chiefs could face challenges. Mosimane’s calm and deliberate approach to his next move reflects his astute judgment and strategic foresight, cementing him as a renowned leader in the highrisk sphere of football coaching.
The Kaizer Chiefs find themselves at a crucial moment in their football journey with the exit of their coach, leaving the coaching role in a state of flux. However, Patrick Mabedi, an iconic figure within the team, has endorsed Cavin Johnson as the ideal replacement, urging the team to look within their ranks for a solution. Johnson’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the comprehensive growth of each player, with a focus on nurturing potential and constructing a harmonious team. The Chiefs must stay true to their heritage of outstanding sportsmanship and community spirit as they navigate this transitional phase.
Discover the stories of the four coaches who led the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in a vivid and simple way. From the trailblazing Felix Du Plessis to the current coaches Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, learn about their coaching styles, legacies, and impact on South African rugby and culture. Siya Kolisi, the team captain, praises Nienaber’s unique coaching approach that values players beyond their abilities on the field. With their enduring legacy, these coaches have played a pivotal role in shaping the game’s future in South Africa.
Jacques Nienaber is a highly respected rugby coach who made a big impact during his four years as head coach of the South African national team, the Springboks. He achieved some incredible wins, including the World Cup victory and a historic triumph against the British & Irish Lions. Despite his success, he made the difficult decision to leave the team due to the personal toll that professional sports can take on one’s family life and relationships. He has now taken on a new role as Leinster’s senior coach, which allows him to balance his professional pursuits with more time for his family.
Rugby player Juan de Jongh has retired and is now coaching WP’s pipeline teams and athletes at Stellenbosch Academy of Sport. His retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as he swaps his rugby boots for a coach’s whistle. Despite leaving the pitch, de Jongh’s legacy will continue to mold the future of rugby through his coaching and influence.
