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The Springbok who kept coming back — the making of new Bulls coach Johan Ackermann
The Springbok who kept coming back — the making of new Bulls coach Johan Ackermann

IOL News

timea day ago

  • Sport
  • IOL News

The Springbok who kept coming back — the making of new Bulls coach Johan Ackermann

Johan Ackermann was named new Bulls coach this past week. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In 2001, the Cats rugby team was on a Super 12 tour in Australia. On the rowdy bus trip to a training session, something was said that annoyed Johan Ackermann. When the bus broke out in laughter at the offending remark, Ackermann quietly got up and walked to the front of the bus, took the microphone, and sternly said in Afrikaans: 'Make a queue. I don't want to go looking for anyone.' No one moved and the journey continued in reverent silence. That encapsulates the presence commanded by a giant who was mostly gentle, but not always ... 🚨 Official: Johan Ackermann is the new Head Coach of the Vodacom Bulls! 🐃 A former Vodacom Bulls player, Springbok and 3x SA Coach of the Year 🏆 💬 'His blood is blue.' 💬 'A dream come true.' FULL PRESS RELEASE: — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading And that reminds me of a Sharks training session I watched in 2005. The forwards were embroiled in a robust mauling session. Suddenly, there was a mighty bellow and from the centre of the maul, players were flung in all directions, like toothpicks, until there was just Johan Ackermann, the epitome of the Incredible Hulk. Except his face was red, not green. Somebody (surely mistakenly) had grabbed the big man in the nether region, and the response was volcanic. Ackermann was from the old school, a throwback to the amateur era of Springbok invincibility when rugby was a peace-time form of warfare, a theatre in which men aspired to the virtues of courage, loyalty and brotherhood. Johan Ackermann during his playing days for the Springboks. Ackermann played 13 Test for SA. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Men like Ackermann, who was an anachronism in the modern era, where many are pampered prima donnas. Consider that this guy's career spanned an incredible two decades – his final match, for the Sharks against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in 2008, was 20 years after he had made his debut on the same ground for Northern Transvaal Under-20. He had shoulder surgery four times, knee surgery twice, a serious neck problem, and a two-year suspension for use of a banned substance. He had careers with the Bulls, Lions, Cats, Sharks and Griquas, and played club rugby in Italy and England. He had three separate Springbok careers, with five-year exiles in between each stint. He was the oldest man to play for the Springboks (37) until overtaken by Victor Matfield and Schalk Brits (both 38). After finishing at the Sharks, for good measure, he played two seasons of club rugby for Cape Town club Hamiltons. Canan Moodie with the unthinkable... Bumped off Ox Nche 🤯 Who wins that rematch? 👇@Vodacom #URC — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) July 17, 2025 Like that Old Man River in the famous song about the Mississippi, Ackermann kept rolling on, occasionally tumbling down waterfalls, recovering to shoot the rapids. So Ackermann's career went full circle — he tapered off at club rugby, which was where he started with Pretoria Police after finishing school in Benoni in 1987. 'And what days they were,' he told me in 2009. 'We used to eat steak and chips on a Friday night before a game, washed down with beer. Now it is Powerade and pasta! 'I had no rugby pedigree when I started but found myself in a Police team that was packed with Bulls,' he recalled. 'There was tremendous camaraderie, and that is why I chose to finish at club level, so that my family could experience the fun of a Saturday afternoon at the club, with the kids kicking a ball around and the braai afterwards. 'I wish more youngsters would continue with rugby after school so that they can experience the social side of rugby.' Ackermann's early days in Pretoria's unforgiving Carlton Cup moulded him into a no-quarter-given type of lock. 'Half the armed forces were stationed in Pretoria at that time and club rugby was bloody fierce,' he recalled. 'You had to dish it out and you had to take it. If the opposition wavered, you had them. That was how we won the games against the students — we won the fights,' he laughed. But this Sherman tank ploughing through the opposition is at odds with the silent giant off the field. 'When I put on the jersey, it is like putting on armour for battle,' he explained. 'Afterwards, I take the armour off and shake hands. But for the 80 minutes, the opposition is the enemy and they must lose. Simple! 'Playing rugby is more than sport,' he continued. 'It is about loyalty to your mates and the spectators. Can you look in the mirror if you have not given your all?' It was on August 3, 1996, that Ackermann's life changed. It was the Springboks versus the Wallabies in Bloemfontein in a Tri-Nations match. Ackermann was playing in his fourth Test. At 26, he had the rugby world before him until he was stretchered off with a knee injury. 'I had an operation and the prognosis was that I could play again in three months, but after three weeks the knee was so sore I could hardly walk,' he said gravely. 'A biokineticist at the Police College said he had worked with people recovering from accidents and used a medication that 'kick-started' muscle recovery. I used this stuff just once because it did nothing for the knee, and I forgot about it.' At the beginning of 1997, Ackermann was in a Bok squad announced by Andre Markgraaff for fitness testing. 'Two weeks later I was told I had tested positive for a banned substance.' Ackermann had been given bad advice at a time when sport was still waking up to the perils of steroid use. 'It was a very dark time for me,' he said. 'A two-year sentence for something I used once and which did not help? I was devastated, an emotional wreck at first and then an angry bull. The loss of earnings did not bother me. It was missing out on playing the All Blacks and the British Lions of '97. It was agony to know I should have been part of it, but for a horrible misunderstanding.' The disappointment gave way to a hunger to play again for the Boks. 'I felt obligated to my family, friends and fans to play again. There was unfinished business. I wanted to prove that making the Boks had not been a fluke.' Ackermann was offered a lifeline by former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains, who coached the Lions and Cats in 2000 and 2001. 'Laurie brought discipline to our rugby and our good form helped me to get picked by (Bok coach) Harry Viljoen, and my first Test back (the 20-15 win over France in Durban in 2001) brought immense relief.' Ackermann played four Tests before dislocating a shoulder, underwent surgery and then dislocated it again. 'I was down and out. Nobody wanted to take a chance on my suspect shoulder. Then Andre Markgraaff at Griquas took a gamble and signed me for two years.' Markgraaff believed in Ackermann. He gave him his first Springbok cap in 1996, persuaded Viljoen to pick him in 2001 and he took him in when nobody wanted him in 2003. So in 2004 and 2005, Ackermann played in the Currie Cup for Griquas and during the Super 12 season he played club rugby in Italy. Another former Springbok coach, Rudolf Straeuli, offered Ackermann a contract with the Sharks and by the end of 2006, Ackermann was once more a Springbok under Jake White. 'The third time was like the first time. We toured the UK and Ireland, which I had never done before, and to play at Twickenham for the first time and at that stage of my career was very special.' In two decades, Ackermann went through it all: injuries, suspension, small unions, big unions, a little club in Italy and Northampton Saints in England, and three stints with the Boks. After all of this, what means the most to him? 'Each time I was handed a Springbok jersey I felt overwhelming pride, and if my career can inspire even one player to fight back from adversity, I will have served South African rugby.' Ackermann has had a highly successful career as a coach. He pulled the Lions out of a nosedive and guided them to three Super Rugby finals. He also led Gloucester to success in the English Premiership and coached the Red Hurricanes in Japan. This is an extract from Mike Greenaway's best-selling book, The Fireside Springbok.

Chloe Tryon: 'Golf', avocados and going full tilt towards the World Cup
Chloe Tryon: 'Golf', avocados and going full tilt towards the World Cup

IOL News

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • IOL News

Chloe Tryon: 'Golf', avocados and going full tilt towards the World Cup

Chloe Tryon of South Africa is currently preparing for The Hundred and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix When the spotlight is on her, Durban-born Proteas Women all-rounder Chloe Tryon generally rises to the occasion with her big-hitting displays and a cheeky spell or two. But off the field, she's quite a simple, no-frills person who enjoys playing golf on her Xbox and eating smashed avocado on toast. She's also something of a workaholic, taking 'just a week off' to unwind and reset following the recent West Indies tour. Independent Sports caught up with Tryon, in an exclusive interview, just after a training session at the Wanderers in Gauteng, where several fellow cricketers are also preparing for The Hundred in the UK — the short-format tournament in which Tryon plays for Southern Brave. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Tryon sees the tournament as a valuable opportunity to sharpen her skills ahead of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India this September. 'I just took, like, a week off once I got back. I saw some of my family and just kind of reset before getting ready for The Hundred — and making sure I'm ready for the World Cup later this year,' she said. 'I think it's going to be a big tour for us, and we want to win that trophy. I'm trying to stay focused on doing the right things right now.' After spending over two years living in Durban, Tryon decided to relocate to Johannesburg due to work commitments. 'Moving to Joburg really just felt like the right thing to do. I spent so much time on the road and in airports. Now, at least after training or after games, I can go home and feel like I'm home,' she said. When the green and gold comes off, Tryon enjoys 'just being normal'. Since leaving Durban, she's stopped cooking curries and instead relies on a trusty air fryer she's affectionately named Phillip. 'I use my air fryer quite a bit nowadays. I think once I left Durban, I left the curries behind, too,' she said. 'I enjoy steamed or grilled food. I think I'm quite simple, and I can eat the same thing every day. Some people call me a creature of habit — so yeah, I tend to stick to what I know.' Tryon describes herself as a morning person who enjoys making the most of the early sun before switching off for the rest of the day. Chloe Tryon best effort with the willow in T20I is a 57 not out. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix 'I always want to try and use my mornings in the best way I can. I like to get up and get stuff done, and then after 2pm just use the rest of my day to do things around the house and just be a normal person,' she said. 'I like playing golf on my Xbox.' She admits that breakfast is often skipped, mostly due to early training sessions. 'I don't really eat breakfast — I struggle with that because I train in the mornings. I'm either running or in the gym, and I don't want to eat and then go into an intense session. By the time I'm done, I'll probably just have some avocado on toast with eggs on the side. It's either that or Futurelife.' Chloe Tryon best bowling figures inthe shortest format of the game is 4/15. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix At 31, Tryon believes she's now at the peak of her career and is intent on riding the momentum as long as she can. 'I feel like I'm hitting my struts at the moment, so I think I'll try to push as far as I can. If that means playing for another five or six years, then I'll take that. If it's shorter, then I'll take that too. I still want to enjoy every moment and play for my country.' Looking beyond her playing days, Tryon says coaching — not commentary — is in her future. 'I've given it some thought, and I'd like to get into coaching so I can stay close to the game. Growing up, women's cricket wasn't as professional as it is now, so I want to be part of that development. 'I had the pleasure of working with people who had faith in me and wanted me to succeed, so I definitely want to give back as much as I can. I don't want to sit and talk about the game — I want to be hands-on. I want to come up with plans and strategies and help younger players get to know their game.'

Stellenbosch opt for high altitude to boost high hopes for 2025/26 Campaign
Stellenbosch opt for high altitude to boost high hopes for 2025/26 Campaign

IOL News

time3 days ago

  • Sport
  • IOL News

Stellenbosch opt for high altitude to boost high hopes for 2025/26 Campaign

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker is currently overseeing training in Johannesburg as his squad prepares for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Stellenbosch FC have embarked on a strategic pre-season training camp in Johannesburg — a move head coach Steve Barker believes is crucial to the club's success in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. As the new campaign draws closer, Barker is confident that training in Gauteng will provide the solid foundation required for Stellenbosch's ambitions. While several rivals, including Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, have opted for international pre-season tours, Stellies have chosen a local yet high-impact alternative. Speaking to Barker explained the reasoning behind the decision: altitude benefits, improved weather, and access to quality opposition. Steve Barker, Fawaaz Basadien, Thabo Moloisane, Tylon Smith, and our recently signed forward, Muzomuhle Khanyi, have all been nominated for PSL awards ⬇️ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'We've decided to come up to Gauteng. Probably one of the main reasons is just good competition, varied competition, and to get some good match sharpness and match fitness, which will be good to integrate the new players into the squad,' he said. This approach highlights the club's commitment to intensive and practical preparation before their season opener. During their camp, Stellenbosch FC will play three friendly matches against local sides TS Galaxy, Siwelele FC, and JDR Stars. These fixtures will serve both as conditioning tools and tactical opportunities, giving players crucial minutes while allowing the technical team to assess readiness. 'Our main focus will be the three friendlies we will be playing against Galaxy, JDR and Siwelele. We want our players to get minutes under their belts,' Barker noted. The fixture details for the #MTN8 quarter-finals have been confirmed ⬇️ 🆚 AmaZulu FC 📅 Sunday, 3 August 2025 🕒 15h00 🏟️ DHL Stadium, Cape Town — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 17, 2025 The club is also using the camp to prepare for their upcoming MTN8 quarter-final clash against AmaZulu, set to take place in just two weeks. Environmental factors also played a key role in the decision to relocate pre-season to Johannesburg. With Cape Town experiencing wet winter conditions, the dry highveld weather offers more consistent training days and the added benefit of altitude adaptation. 'Obviously. the weather has been a little bit wet down in Cape Town, so we also came to get dry weather training and a little bit of altitude training,' Barker explained. Such conditions are expected to boost the team's physical conditioning ahead of what is likely to be a demanding and competitive season. All smiles ahead of today's session 😀 — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 16, 2025 Stellies have also been active in the transfer market. Among their new recruits are Muzomuhle Khanyi from Hungry Lions, Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs, and Henri Stanic from Balzan FC in Malta. In addition, academy product Simthandile Sishi has been promoted from the Stellenbosch DStv Diski side. 'Overall, I am happy with the players who've joined us from other clubs. They're settling in nicely, and they show energy and enthusiasm,' said Barker. With a focus on nurturing homegrown talent and integrating new signings into a cohesive unit, Stellenbosch FC's preparation strategy reflects both ambition and long-term planning. As pre-season continues, attention will soon turn to competitive fixtures — where the true test of this structured build-up begins.

Kaizer Motaung honoured with second doctorate for his impact on society and sport
Kaizer Motaung honoured with second doctorate for his impact on society and sport

IOL News

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • IOL News

Kaizer Motaung honoured with second doctorate for his impact on society and sport

Kaizer Chiefs founder Kaizer Motaung received an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce from the University of the Witwatersrand in recognition of his role in football, youth development, and nation-building. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In a country where many are only truly honoured after death, the recognition of Kaizer Motaung while still alive is something to be celebrated. On Tuesday, the University of the Witwatersrand conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce upon the Kaizer Chiefs founder and owner. It marks the second such accolade for Motaung, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences by the University of Cape Town in 2022. This latest honour acknowledges 'Chincha Guluva's' immense role in uplifting disadvantaged youth, promoting social cohesion, and developing football as both a sport and a unifying force in South Africa. Wits University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to football legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Kaizer Motaung. In his address, he said: "My love for Wits runs deep. It is an honour to be recognised by this great institution, and I hope that my contributions to society have… — Wits University (@WitsUniversity) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking at the Wits Great Hall during the university's graduation ceremony, Motaung shared words of encouragement and wisdom with the Wits Class of 2025. 'Be pioneers in your own right, pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers. Use your talents and skills to make a positive impact on our society,' he said. 'Nelson Mandela taught us that education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world. I urge you to get involved in initiatives that promote sports development, education, and economic empowerment. Use your knowledge and skills to empower others and to create a brighter future for our country.' A lifelong team player, Motaung said the recognition was not only a tribute to his personal journey but also to the game that shaped his life. 'This honour is not just about me,' he said. 'It is a tribute to the beautiful game of football that has given me so much.' He also credited the club's supporters, acknowledging that Kaizer Chiefs' success would not have been possible without their unwavering loyalty and belief. Reflecting on his relationship with the university, Motaung revealed that his connection to Wits dates back to the apartheid era, forged on the football pitch. 'My love for Wits runs deep,' he said, alluding to past ties that transcended the sporting arena during a time of division and struggle.

Richards Bay chairman quashes interference claims: We only care about results
Richards Bay chairman quashes interference claims: We only care about results

IOL News

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • IOL News

Richards Bay chairman quashes interference claims: We only care about results

Richards Bay chairman Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela has rubbished rumours of management meddling, insisting his only priority is the club's success. Photo: Backpagepix Image: BackpagePix Richards Bay chairman Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela has moved to quash ongoing speculation about alleged interference in team selection at the KwaZulu-Natal-based club, insisting that management is only interested in results, not control. The outspoken club boss was addressing media at the unveiling of the club's new signings ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign when he took the opportunity to speak on a narrative that has long followed not only Richards Bay, but several clubs in the league. Biyela's comments come after a turbulent three-year spell in the top flight that has seen the Natal Rich Boyz rotate through a carousel of coaches. ✍️ Richards Bay FC new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season: Mhango Mtshali Zuke Mangolo Vilakazi Nzama 7. Sboniso Madonsela Khumalo Mahala Nombengula Mbambo — Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) July 8, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Since their promotion, the likes of Pitso Dladla, Vasili Manousakis, Kaitano Tembo, Vusumuzi Vilakazi and Brandon Truter have all had stints either as head coaches or in co-coaching capacities. In the wake of these changes, murmurs — sometimes from the coaches themselves — suggested that Biyela and the management team may have had a hand in dictating player selections and matchday tactics. But Biyela dismissed those claims as baseless, describing them as a convenient excuse often used when results go south. 'We work very well with our current coaches, but there's a trend of assumption — not just at our club but across the league — that whenever a team loses, then there's interference from management,' Biyela explained, in Zulu. 'Who would want to interfere and influence his own team to lose? "If the coach has a good plan, why would I want to come in and change that? "Which chairman would do that in their right mind?' 🏆 𝐊𝐙𝐍 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – Fixture Confirmed✅️ 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗖 will take on Midlands Wanderers FC in the first Semi-final 🏟 Umhlathuze Sports Stadium 📅 Sunday, 27 July 2025 ⌚ 09:00 AM ⚽ Richards Bay FC vs Midlands Wanderers FC — Richards Bay FC (@RichardsBayFC_) July 8, 2025 Biyela was visibly frustrated at the perception that management meddling was a routine issue and questioned the logic behind such claims, especially when coaches are praised during winning spells but question motives when results turn. 'The only thing we need is results,' he added. 'There's no power struggle at our club just because the chairman wants to exert his authority. It doesn't work that way.' He continued: 'You never hear about 'interference' when a coach is winning matches. These things only come up when there's a losing streak. Then suddenly there's interference.' Richards Bay, now under the continued guidance of co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, are preparing for their fourth season in the Betway Premiership. The club enjoyed their best finish yet in 2024/25, ending eighth and qualifying for the MTN8 — a testament to the stability that management insists they are trying to foster. While Biyela admits results remain the primary focus, he also emphasised the importance of mutual respect between the boardroom and the technical team. He said his role is to empower coaches with the tools and resources to succeed, not dictate how they use them. With new signings in place and home games set to return to the revamped Mhlathuze Sports Complex, Richards Bay are hopeful of continuing their upward trajectory — and putting the interference rumours firmly to bed.

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