Pretoria - Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Faith Mazibuko has congratulated new Springboks coach Allister Coetzee.
“We are convinced that the new coach has the capacity, experience and ability to take our rugby to new heights. It will not be easy but with his accolades -- proving him to be one of the most successful transformational coaches in South Africa -- he will help take rugby to every household and living room in the country embraced by all,” said MEC Mazibuko in a statement on Thursday.
Coetzee’s announcement as coach of the national rugby team was made on Tuesday.
The 52-year-old former Springbok assistant coach succeeds Heyneke Meyer at a time when a number of veterans of the 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph have gone into retirement.
MEC Mazibuko said Coetzee must be supported.
“We call upon the people of Gauteng and the rugby fraternity to give him much needed support for one of the most difficult jobs ahead. We believe his success with the team is our success as a country. We look forward to exciting times and exciting rugby on the field,” said the MEC.
Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula has welcomed Coetzee’s appointment. – SAnews.gov.za
