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30 January 2018 Photo Johan Roux
Former Bok gives back to his alma mater
Wian du Preez, new head coach of the Shimlas U-20 team.

After a long and stellar career as a rugby player, Wian du Preez felt it would be unfair not to give something back to the game that had treated him so well.

Du Preez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Shimlas U-20 team, better known as the Kovsie Young Guns. They participate in the Varsity Young Guns competition.

Former Springbok
The 35-year-old Du Preez, a former Springbok, retired in 2016. He now works as a financial advisor at Jenwil BlueStar Financial  Advisory Services in Bloemfontein.

“Making the step from a professional rugby player to the corporate world was a difficult one. Thus, coaching provides me with the opportunity to stay involved in the game and to get out of the office.

Giving back
“I thought it would be nice to give something back after receiving so much from rugby. Having the opportunity to work with youngsters, you can help shape them for a career in rugby, should that be something they aspire to.”

Du Preez is a former Shimla himself, having worn the blue jersey between 2002 and 2004 whilst studying for his BCom (Investment Management and Banking).

Both his parents work at the university. His mother, Lizette, is semi-retired, but still acts as part-time assistant at the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French.

His father, Prof Chris du Preez, was the head of the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences and was a lecturer. In his final year before he goes on pension, he assists postgraduates with their studies.

News Archive

Ryk Neethling visits the UFS
2011-02-03

Ryk Neethling
- Photo: Gerhard Steenkamp

Festive, colourful and spirited – this was how the official opening of our newly upgraded swimming pool looked. Olympic swimmer Ryk Neethling, guest of honour at the event, rendered further glamour to the event when he encouraged Kovsies in his opening speech.

“I feel that this pool can be a great institution of learning, just like this university, because the lessons you learn here you can take into your job; lessons of hard work, dedication and never giving up,” said Ryk.

As a result of the money (R4,6 million) that was appropriated by the National Lotto at the end of 2009, the swimming pool now qualifies as an international competition bath (50m in length) with heating. Overflows were also installed at both ends of the bath. Starting blocks and lane ropes were also installed.

Part of the money is also used for research, which will throw light on the nutritional habits and incidents that cause swimming injuries.

According to Mr Mickey Gordon, Head: Corporate Affairs, Institutional Advancement and Sport, it is strategically important to invest in a high-quality facility for the advancement of swimming at our university. “The university wants to become a centre of excellence for Swimming South Africa,” he said.
 

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