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04 August 2023 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Luigi Bennett
Shimlas Coach
Former Cheetahs assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa looks forward to coaching the Shimlas again. He was the head coach of the Central University of Technology in the 2023 Varsity Cup, and a former UFS Young Guns head coach and Shimlas assistant coach (attack).

The University of the Free State (UFS) rugby team has strengthened its coaching ranks with the addition of Melusi Mthethwa, who returns to the UFS after a previous stint as a Shimlas assistant coach.

Mthethwa is set to fulfill a similar role as before, with the aim of giving the team a boost ahead of the 2024 Varsity Cup. He will be the new attack and backline coach, and continues an established rugby relationship with André Tredoux, the Shimlas head coach.

Mthethwa will return to the UFS from the Central University of Technology (CUT), where he is the head coach. In 2023 he was also the Griquas attack and backline coach.

Previously Mthethwa was a Cheetahs assistant coach (attack and backline) and coached the Cheetahs junior rugby sides. At Kovsies, he has been the UFS Young Guns head coach and a Shimlas assistant coach (attack).

The Shimlas have now acquired his services for the next two years, since the contract of Swys de Bruin, UFS director of coaching for the past two years, came to an end after the 2023 Varsity Cup.

Long rugby relationship

Tredoux and Mthethwa worked together while coaching junior sides at the North-West University (NWU) and Leopards from 2009 to 2011. The Shimlas head coach is excited to coach with him again, and says Mthethwa adds a lot of experience. 

“We know each other since 2005 [when Tredoux coached Mthethwa as a NWU U20 player]. He is a hard worker and great coach,” Tredoux says. “We are thrilled to see what he can bring to our attack and the skills of our backline players. It is an exciting time, and he certainly strengthens our coaching team.”

Mthethwa believes it’s the right time for him to join Kovsies. He says the UFS coaching team understands the game, and he wants to contribute positively. “The Shimla coaches are exceptional guys, and it will be great to join and work with them. And to see if we can make a big change in Bloemfontein.” 

Excelling on and off field

Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, says the UFS wanted to strengthen the Shimlas technical team and provide Tredoux with more assistance. He says Mthethwa’s experience will add value and contribute to the success of the coaching staff.

His appointment is also in line with the university’s Vision 130, with one of its key values being excellence. “His appointment shows that we want to excel in everything we do, whether it is on the playing field or in the coaching staff,” Laka says. “Melusi brings a different dimension to our coaching. And he will be of great support to André. They have worked together before, and will carry on with that brilliant working relationship.”

News Archive

Kovsie Xtravaganza 2006 with Jak de Priester and Dewald Louw
2006-08-29

Kovsie Xtravaganza, the showcase of Kovsie student arts and culture achievers, will take place on Wednesday, 20 September 2006 at 20:00 in the Sand du Plessis Theatre. The audience can once again expect an array of sound, movement and colour in true Kovsie style.

This years’ production will be unique in the sense that a “10 man live band” will provide the sound.  The well known artist, Jak de Priester, will act as your host and guest artist. The newly crowned kykNET Idol and Kovsie student, Dewald Louw will all make a guest appearance!

The annual residence culture winners will also be announced at the event. Wayne Flemming is the director of the show, whilst John Smit will act as musical director.

 The audience can once again expect some familiar hit songs, presented in true Kovsie fashion! Apart from well-known artists like Thabo Hlongwane, Hanno van Heerden, Caroline Haasbroek, Elmarie Potgieter and Bea van der Vyver, some new talent will also be presented on stage. The winning serenade groups, Veritas and Sonnedou, as well as choirs and dance groups, will be part of the production.

Tickets for this extravaganza will be available from all PACOFS outlets at R30-00 a ticket and bookings can be done at 051-447 7772.

 For any other enquiries, please contact Kovsie Culture (Louis Botha) at 051-401 2819.

 

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