Speaking after his side’s victory over the Boarder Bulldogs, EP Kings Vodacom Cup team coach, Mzwandile Stick, said his entire focus is on the team.
Speaking after his side’s victory over the Boarder Bulldogs, EP Kings Vodacom Cup team coach, Mzwandile Stick, said his entire focus is on the team.
"Every coach has ambitions of either being involved in the Springbok set-up or with a Super Rugby side, but I like to focus on the here and now and that is where my head is now,” he said.
The former Blitzbokke captain and Sevens’ legend led the South Africa sevens team during the 2008–09 IRB Sevens World Series, which saw the team win the series title for the first time.
He also faced the British and Irish Lions on their 2009 tour to South Africa, while playing for the Southern Kings.
“I returned to play 15’s rugby in South Africa because I needed a change. I spent seven years playing for the Blitzbokke which was an amazing time, but also difficult as it meant a lot of travelling and time away from home,” Stick said.
His retirement led to coaching, where he has blossomed.
Stick spoke of his love and passion for the Eastern Cape and said he was delighted to finish his career in the province in which he grew up.
“I began coaching the EP Kings academy side, then progressed to the under-21’s and now the senior Vodacom Cup side.
"I was surprised by how quickly I moved up the ranks, but I have always enjoyed challenges and rise to them,” he said.
Stick said he has worked with this team since their beginnings in the under-21 side.
He said his goals are to give youngsters exposure to senior rugby and to focus on one game at a time.
He said this approach would bring his side success.
