Tail still wagging the dog?

Wednesday 2 Nov 2016

And still, the incredibly complicated machinations continue as people get their guys in place to keep them in power and 'untouchable'.

I am not going to waste my energy and spend too much time on this topic. It's boring and deserves as little attention as the integrity some of our rugby bosses have. Tail still wagging the dog?

For the record, Francois Davids (Boland), long time top traffic cop of Wellington, is the new deputy president of the South African Rugby Union. It did not come as a surprise, as he is mingling with the right people, saying the right things at the right places.

My personal subjective opinion is that he can add no value to the SA rugby cause and dilemmas. However, his vote will keep the right guys in positions.

Vivian Lottering (Falcons) was appointed in the position vacated by Davids' promotion on the SARU executive committee and again we have two representatives from small unions.

I think Vivian is a genuine person and maybe he can bring some stability and integrity into the SARU boardroom.

I am happy that Mark Alexander is elected as President. I know he is a rugby man, but now he has a huge task.

However, it I doubt he has the right assistants around him. As they say in the classics: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Let us give the man a chance.

I did, however, hear a rumour that they want to privatise SARU. Maybe it is not a bad idea, because the investors will immediately get rid of the incompetent management and replace them with competent personnel.

On second thoughts, what investors will put money into an organisation that is known for mismanagement and bad governance?

And the tail is still wagging the dog. Small unions still have the most say, while we are managed by political interference and personal agendas.

Now let's move on to the APPOINTMENT OF THE COACH FOR THE JUNIOR BOKS.

There was an article on social media that 'top' coach Abe Davids and Chean Roux are the candidates. Tail still wagging the dog?

That is hilarious. It must be Aprils fool in November.

Jonathan Makwena's name was also mentioned. He is a great guy, but needs experience.

Abe Davids is the brother of Francois Davids. His track record as a coach in first class rugby speaks for itself.

Chean Roux is a close friend of Jurie Roux, the SARU CEO.

I rest my case.

I really hope this is just a rumour and not fact, because if that happens, it will again just highlight the flaws in our system is.

Then again, in the past people have been hired and fired without following procedures.

I hope they advertise the job this time and go through a thorough process to appoint the new SA Under-20 coach.

The Junior Springboks must be a showcase for SA rugby and we have some of the best junior players in the world – enough to win World Rugby's junior championship every year. Tail still wagging the dog?

So don't stuff it up by appointing family, friends or do window dressing for political reasons.

Get the best guy for the job.

The two Under-19 world championship titles we won – by beating New Zealand in the Final in 2003 and 2005 – were not because I was a good or great coach. It happened because we had great players and I knew just how to create the magic.

Yes, of course there was some luck.

The players are there, they deserve to be select. Let's give them a chance.

This is an important role and responsibility and the Junior Bok coach must have the following characteristics and requirements:

* Authenticated Level Three IRB/World Rugby coaching certificate

* Coached at Super Rugby or Currie Cup level

* At least five years of experience as a head coach

* Have great people skills (be able to work with young players)

* Good communication skills (verbal and non-verbal)

* Strong leader with great management skills

* Strategic & Tactical abilities

* Extraordinary knowledge and passion for the game

* Creative and Initiative

* Know the Laws

* BE HONEST WITH INTEGRITY

I always inspire my coaches and players not to come with the problems, but come with the solution.

Here is my solution.

Appoint a coach like Swys de Bruyn or Franco Smit as head coach, and Jonathan Mokuena as one of the assistant coaches. Then a guy like Elliot Fana from Border could also add value. Tail still wagging the dog?

The young coaches can feed off the experience of the head coach.

There are many young coaches that can be considered as assistants that will do a great job. Look at a guy such as Sean Erasmus of Paarl Boys High.

I guess some insecure administrators or people in key rugby positions get their 'spies' to read all rugby-related articles so they can be informed and get excuses ready or prepare strategies to attack those opposing them.

I am not writing these articles to boost myself and can get no advantage from doing so.

I am doing it because I care for SA rugby and more for the great coaches and players we have, who are all affected by average to bad management and decisions.

No indabas, work sessions or any money wasting exercises will help to fix the root cause of our problems.

It might treat the symptoms in the short term.

Get the best guys for the job in place and our ship will be back on course (administrators and coaches).

I believe we must get people like Johann Rupert, Altmann Alers or even GT Ferreira involved in the business (professional) part of SA rugby's administration.

There are also people like Kevin de Klerk and Wynand Claassen who could be involved in the administration of the game. What about people like Carel du Plessis, Craig Jamison, Ross van Reenen and Francois Pienaar?