The village that raised a Springbok coach

SPOTLIGHT: Mzwandile Stick is most renowned for his coaching role in the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup victories.

Without doubt, the 41-year-old is a distinguished figure in the South African game.

And he will again play a significant role when the Boks defend their Webb Ellis crown in Australia next year, chasing an unprecedented third successive title.

However, there is a side of the Stick story that is not spotlighted as much as the playing and coaching facets of the Eastern Cape townie.

Yes, he has roots in New Brighton (a township in Port Elizabeth). His playing career (captaining the BlitzBoks to their first World Series title) and transitioning to a flourishing coaching vocation.

However, from the humble beginnings in New Brighton, he has scaled heights few expected him to reach.

Stick has often spoken proudly of his roots in New Brighton, but not so well recorded are the people and mentors who lifted him from the dusty streets of a township to some of the most famous and lush turfs in the world.

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Speaking in the first instalment of the Roc Nation Sports International ‘Insider Series‘, Stick said he was ‘incredibly privileged’ to grow up surrounded by great mentors who acted as father figures.

“Many of us didn’t have fathers at home, but when you joined a local club in Port Elizabeth, it felt like a family,” said the veteran assistant coach, tasked with, among other things, players’ work rate off the ball.

“You received guidance from the elders.

“With all the hardships we faced, I am a true reflection of the saying: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.

“So many people who weren’t even direct family contributed to my life and made me who I am today.

“They mentored me as a young player, and even now as a coach, I still go back to them just to have a good chat.

“It was a tough background, but it also provided a lot of opportunities.”

Stick also did not hold back when asked about the mentors, coaches, friends, and family who were instrumental in his journey.

“At every step of my journey, there have been people who made a massive impact on my life and rugby career,” he added.

These include Mavuso Mafu, a primary school teacher who practically forced him to play rugby.

“In the townships, we didn’t have distinct sports seasons, so if cricket, rugby, and soccer were all played on a Wednesday, the teachers would battle over which sport you should play.

“He chose rugby for me, and I will always be grateful because he really understood the game.”

Then there was Lucky Mange, whom Stick describes as a true ‘legend’ with one of the best rugby brains.

“He coached me at the club level and was a massive mentor,” Stick said, adding: “Financially, my family couldn’t always afford the taxi fare to get to training sessions in Summerstrand at the Old Boet Erasmus Stadium.

“He was always there for us, providing transport for other kids and me in the community so we could make it to practice.”

The one person who does not always get the credit he deserves for giving Stick his early coaching opportunities is retired Springbok prop Robbie Kempson.

“I will always respect him.

“While many people want opportunities, what made Robbie special was how he empowered me. He didn’t just give me a job; he ensured I was upskilled through coaching courses and team management.

“Working with youngsters in PE, we didn’t have the luxury of choosing from a massive pool of players, but he always made sure we had an organised team ready for Saturday.”

And then there is Paul Treu, who believed in Stick when few others thought he would make it.

“Paul saw potential in my leadership.

“At the time, we thought he was being crazy and incredibly tough on us. But looking back, I understand why. He pushed us hard because he saw what we could become. If you look at the players from that system – like Vuyo Zangqa coaching at the BlitzBoks, Philip Snyman coming through to captain and now coach them, or Jonathan Mokuena – they’ve gone far.

“Paul trained us to be strong, resilient leaders.”

However, at the top of his list is his mother, Nomsa Stick.

“Of course, nothing would have been possible without the love and support of my mom,” he said, adding: “No matter what the circumstances were that we faced, she was there for me every step of the way.

“It wasn’t always easy for her, or us as a family, but she was a pillar of strength and did everything in her power to help me achieve my dreams.

“The industry has its ups and downs, but the way these people – along with many others – developed and empowered me prepared me perfectly for where I am today.”

Stick still often returns to the township community, helping to uplift youngsters with the same dreams and from the same background as he is.

“I come from a community where sometimes it wasn’t just your direct parents raising you, it was the whole street, and the entire community looked after each other,” he said.

“While I have to admit that things are not the same now as when we were young, that environment made me who I am.

“As a father and a mentor to the young stars coming through, I do not want to be an example from a distance.

“That’s why I return home whenever possible, so I can stand close to the people of New Brighton.

“I don’t want to be just a reference they see in books or on TV. I want to be a reference close to them.

“When they see me walking around, when I go back and give to the community, I want it to be a true reflection that it is possible to make something of your life.

“For me, rugby was the key to escaping the challenges we faced.

“It gave me the opportunities to have the family I support today.

“But beyond results and performance on the field, rugby made me a better human being and taught me to care for the people around me. I try to take that back to New Brighton.

“I was given financial support by a gentleman like Mr. Mange, who wasn’t rich but ensured we could get to training. I try to do the same whenever I have the chance to assist someone and make things possible for them.

“I want to put a smile on another child’s face, just like my primary school teacher did for me when he introduced me to the game.”

Speaking about his relationship with Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus, it is not Erasmus’ rugby brain that impresses him most.

“There’s one specific thing I always tell people about him: ‘He is one of the best managers of people I’ve ever seen’.

“Even when things start to get out of control, Rassie has a unique way of bringing everything back together.

“As a human being, that is something I deeply respect about him.

“He always finds a funny, effective way to get the best out of people.

“When I was allowed to return to the national team, there were some who believed I didn’t have what it takes anymore.

“Rassie brought me back into the system, and we’ve never looked back since.

“As a leader, he is someone who has always encouraged me to be at my absolute best. He knows exactly when I’m not in a good space – and it takes a truly special manager to look at the people around them and recognise when they are struggling.

“That is easily one of his greatest skills as a coach; he understands his people and genuinely cares about everything he does.”