The former Toyota Cheetahs and Suzuki Griquas assistant coach, Melusi Mthethwa, will be joining the technical team of the Junior Springboks.

The former University of the Free State Shimlas assistant will be responsible for the backline and attack of the South African U20 team. Mthethwa has a proven track record at each team as a coach and he will also bring a wealth of experience to the Baby Boks.

Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s General Manager for High-Performance, said Mthethwa, is a welcome addition to the Junior Boks setup. 

“Melusi was an integral part of the Shimlas team this year, where they played an attacking brand of rugby on their way to winning the FNB Varsity Cup,” said Wessels.

Melusi Mthethwa and Ollie le Roux. Photo: Varsity Cup

“Through his association with many junior and senior provincial teams, he has proven himself to be a very talented and promising young coach. He has good technical knowledge and great energy, and I know he will make a big contribution towards our Junior Boks.”

Mthethwa  said he is excited about the new challenges that await and he is ready to dive into the deep end. 

“It’s a massive honour, really, to be able to serve your country and I am looking forward to this very exciting challenge.” 

“If you look at the recent U18 International Series, as well as the SA Rugby U19 and U21 competitions, then you realise we have such an incredible pool of exciting and talented young rugby players coming through the ranks of a proven and world-class pathway.

“I am looking forward to making a contribution, which will see us, as a team, preparing these young men to compete successfully at international level, and lay the foundation for them to develop into future Springboks.” 

The 39-year-old  took up his new position on Friday in Stellenbosch and will be working under Kevin Foote who is the new head coach.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  dg