Solomon Mutasa in JOHANNESBURG,South Africa
A LATE penalty dashed coach David Maidza’s dream Varsity Rugby Cup final as they went on to lose by one point in his first season in charge at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.The former Zimbabwe international, who earned five caps between 1993 and 1994, took over at the Madibaz just before the start of the 2014 Varsity Cup and went on to send shock waves in his first assignment — a victory over giants Stellenbosch.
“It was a roller-coaster season, we started the season well and ended needing to win our last three round robin matches to qualify for the semis,” said Maidza.
“To be knocked out in the semis, losing by 1 point for a second year in a row, was a bitter pill to swallow. This is my first year in charge of the team and success thus far is solely due to a bunch of willing players, they deserve the accolades that have come their way because they worked hard to get into the semis.
“Some of them, I am sure, you will be hearing a lot about in top-tier competitions in rugby.”
A coaching career that began in 2001 at Border Bulldogs as a technical adviser, has seen Maidza establishing himself as real asset in the Eastern Cape Rugby Union with previous stints at Eastern Province’s Vodacom and Currie Cup sides.
“I must say I am very happy where I am at the moment, the new challenge of growing the Madibaz rugby brand at the university has got me very excited and I hope I can bring the knowledge of putting together a strong side for years to come to NMMU.” NMMU proved to be best defensive unit this season.
“I really don’t think I was one of the best defending players in rugby but the Madibaz over the years have been renowned to defend their try line with everything and that will stay with us for years to come,” he said.
A LATE penalty dashed coach David Maidza’s dream Varsity Rugby Cup final as they went on to lose by one point in his first season in charge at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.The former Zimbabwe international, who earned five caps between 1993 and 1994, took over at the Madibaz just before the start of the 2014 Varsity Cup and went on to send shock waves in his first assignment — a victory over giants Stellenbosch.
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| David Maidza |
“To be knocked out in the semis, losing by 1 point for a second year in a row, was a bitter pill to swallow. This is my first year in charge of the team and success thus far is solely due to a bunch of willing players, they deserve the accolades that have come their way because they worked hard to get into the semis.
“Some of them, I am sure, you will be hearing a lot about in top-tier competitions in rugby.”
A coaching career that began in 2001 at Border Bulldogs as a technical adviser, has seen Maidza establishing himself as real asset in the Eastern Cape Rugby Union with previous stints at Eastern Province’s Vodacom and Currie Cup sides.
“I must say I am very happy where I am at the moment, the new challenge of growing the Madibaz rugby brand at the university has got me very excited and I hope I can bring the knowledge of putting together a strong side for years to come to NMMU.” NMMU proved to be best defensive unit this season.
“I really don’t think I was one of the best defending players in rugby but the Madibaz over the years have been renowned to defend their try line with everything and that will stay with us for years to come,” he said.
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
.jpg "Sona Solar Zimbabwe")
