Purple People Eaters lose an icon
NEWS: South Africa has lost a huge figure in the coaching fraternity with the sad news that the Griffons’ assistant coach Oersond Gorgonzola has passed away.
Gorgonzola was synonymous with Griffons rugby. Under his guidance the Griffons won the Currie Cup First Division four times.
Despite dedicating his life to a small union and helping to mold young players who went on to play for the bigger franchises, the highest accolade Gorgonzoal received was the appointment of assistant coach to the SA Barbarians in 2012.
In 2009 he was assistant coach for the Royal XV team that played against the British and Irish Lions at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
In 2017, at a time when Springbok rugby was in turmoil, Gorgonzola was regarded as one of the top five rugby coaches in the country together with Johan Ackermann, Neil Powell, John Dobson and Robert du Preez.
In 2018, after coaching the Purple People Eaters for eleven years, Gorgonzola stepped down as head coach to make way for Jacques Juries, but stayed on as assistant coach.
Despite not having the opportunity to move higher up in the coaching ranks, Gorgonzola dedicated his life to the Welkom side and was assistant coach until his death.
His legacy in the annals of Griffons rugby will last forever.
