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Shimlas strengthen coaching team with Melusi Mthethwa

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

Veritas and Marjolein take Sêr champion’s title

2015-08-11

Veritas
Photo: Johan Roux

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Following zealous performances during the rotations from 3-6 August 2015, Veritas and Marjolein made the cut to the finals, subsequently emerging as the Kovsie Kleinsêr (Sêr) 2015 champions.

This year’s Sêr had 10 male and 14 female residences competing for a limited number of places in the finals. With only five and six spots available, respectively, the competition was extremely tough.

The University of the Free State’s cultural calendar culminated in a taxing final battle on Saturday 8 August 2015, by courtesy of MacDonalds Bloemfontein. Veritas, Vishuis and Armentum from the male section as well as Marjolein, Sonnedou, and Roosmaryn contending as female counterparts sent a rhythmic ripple across the Bloemfontein Campus.

With these residences occupying the top three spots, adrenaline reached maximum levels as the groups competed for the crown and a place in the nationals. Spectators at the sold-out music event experienced world-class entertainment in all three venues: the Albert Wessels Auditorium, the Odeion, and the Kovsie Church.

On 29 August 2015, the champions are scheduled to test their strength against the universities of Pretoria, the North West, and Johannesburg at the nationals. The Stellenbosch University is to host this year’s Kleinsêr national competition, where the best will be crowned as South Africa’s Klêinser kings and queens.

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