Lions name little-known coach for ‘second fiddle’ Currie Cup season
The Lions have appointed former SA Schools coach Mziwakhe Nkosi as their head coach for this year’s Currie Cup campaign.
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With the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup set to run concurrently for several months, all four South African franchises competing in the URC will be forced to field separate teams and coaching units for the respective competitions.
Nkosi will step in as the Lions’ head coach for their Currie Cup campaign while Ivan van Rooyen continues to take charge of the URC side.
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Nkosi will be assisted by former Springbok Wessel Roux, Super Rugby assistant coach Philip Lemmer and Lions U20 assistant coach Wynand Ellis.
“It is obviously a privilege to lead the Currie Cup side for a franchise like ours,” Nkosi said in a statement.
“From a personal development point, I am hoping that it is another experience that I can learn from at this level in concert with my passionate management team. I have no doubt we can create something special with the young talent coming through at the Lions.
“We’re hoping to produce a successful team in terms of this year’s competition. We’re looking at a youthful group with plenty of pedigree in terms of having represented the Junior Springboks as well as having been successful in the Junior Championships in the past.
“From a franchise perspective, it’s about ensuring we produce players who can graduate to the URC team and keep the conveyor belt turning.”
The Lions are set to kick off their Currie Cup campaign against Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday, 15 January.
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Lions 2022 Currie Cup management team:
Mziwakhe Nkosi – Head coach
Wessel Roux – Forwards coach
Philip Lemmer – Breakdown specialist
Wynand Ellis – Backline and Attack coach
Kyle Peyper – Strength and Conditioning
Dr Anri Collins – Team doctor
Hené Branders – Physiotherapist
MJ Rabodiba – Team manager
Bestall Mondo – Assistant to team manager
