Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has hit back at reports that he isn’t qualified to coach the Kings, writes JOHN GOLIATH.
Afrikaans newspaper Rapport reported on Sunday that De Villiers was no longer a candidate for the Kings head coach position, because he does not possess a Level 3 coaching certificate. The article also suggested that his experience as Springbok boss between 2008 and 2011 was not seen as a factor that makes a difference.
However, De Villiers took to social media to dispute the claims, saying that he does indeed have a Level 3 coaching certificate.
‘It is with great concern that it has been stated on Talk Radio 702 on the sports show (at 16:30 on 29 July 2019), that I do not have a Level 3 coaching certificate,’ De Villiers said on Facebook.
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‘This is unfortunate and deliberately designed by various media channels to continue to malign me and prevent me from succeeding in my current interview process with the Kings. Attached is confirmation of my certificate which was verified before I coached the Springboks.
‘As a matter of fact, I attained my International Level 3 coaching certificate in 1997 in Wales.’
SA Rugby magazine has seen De Villiers’ Level 3 certificate obtained from the Wales Rugby Union, as well as an affidavit from former SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins, which states: ‘I was approached by Peter de Villiers about his qualification as a Level 3 international coach. This is in connection with his application to the position of head coach at the Kings franchise.
‘Peter became head coach of the national team [Springboks] because of the technical committee headed by Professor Ferreira, that thoroughly investigated and selected him. His qualifications were scrutinised and confirmed. He has a Level 3 qualification done by the Wales Rugby Union.
‘I spoke to the Welsh coaching director personally at the time, who confirmed to me that Peter did do the course in Wales. I have no doubt about his qualifications if this is in dispute,’ Hoskins added.
Rapport added that New Zealander Steve Jackson, the current Samoa coach, is the only remaining candidate on the shortlist to replace Deon Davids.
Worcester Warriors coach Rory Duncan has ruled himself out of contention, while Cheetahs forwards coach Corniel van Zyl apparently doesn’t have a Level 3 coaching certificate.
If Jackson is appointed, he will only be able to join the Kings after the Rugby World Cup and will miss the start of their Pro14 campaign, which kicks off on 28 September 28.
Photo: Chri Ricco/Backpagepix
