DANIE Vermeulen was yesterday unveiled as the new interim head coach of the senior national rugby team.
This will be the 36-year-old Mariental native’s second spell in charge of the Welwitschias, whom he led to Africa Cup glory in 2004. His previous spell in charge ended unceremoniously after ‘personal discrepancies’ between himself and then Namibia Rugby Union head Dirk Conradie. Vermeulen will have to wait for his assistant to be recommended by the International Rugby Board and the South African Rugby Union. The coach’s immediate mandate is to lead the Welwitschias to Madagascar to compete in the Africa Cup Division 1B tournament. Vermeulen believes his previous achievements with the national side not only landed him the position but that the experience will also be invaluable this time around. ‘I have been here before so I know what is required of me as a coach,’ said Vermeulen. ‘The next three months will be hard work. But I think the current set-up will of the NRU will help me carry out my duties effectively.’According to NRU President Bradley Basson, the new coaching staff, who are all volunteers, for all national sides were appointed after ‘careful consideration’ and ‘showed a willingness to accept these positions during a very challenging time.’’I have no doubt that the team have what it takes to make sure that we get a good start towards qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and will ultimately make us proud,’ Basson told reporters at the official announcement of coaches for all national teams in Windhoek.’The appointments and selections so made must not be viewed as the end itself. We still have a long road to walk and we should always keep in mind that we are carrying the hopes of the Namibian nation,’ Basson said. Also part of the new senior team structure are: Henry Boshoff (Conditioning Coach), William Steenkamp (Team Manager), Vernon Morkel (Team Doctor).The under-19 team will be coached by Jood Opperman, with Vince Dreyer as his assistant, Frikkie Maartens (Conditioning Coach), Gabriel Tjombe (Team Manager), Vernon Morkel (Team Doctor), Physiotherapist (Wayne Damons). The sevens team’s technical team is headed by Renaldo Pedro as coach assisted by Corne Powell. Also in that team are Maryke Verster (Conditioning Coach), Wessel Kotze (Team Manager), Vernon Morkel (Team Doctor) and Donata Gawanas (Medic).
