URU secure new Rugby coach
Jan 09, 2015
Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has acquired a South African coach.
By Johnson Were
In an attempt to improve the performance of the national rugby team (Rugby Cranes), Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has acquired a South African coach.
Johannes Beukes, who is part of the coaching staff at South Africa side Cheetahs, arrived in the country yesterday for an initial 10- day period during which he is expected to oversee a training session with the Rugby Cranes on Sunday at Kyadondo Rugby Club.
Buekes will thereafter travel to South Africa and return later to manage the national team over a two year period. Beukes will replace Peter Magoona, who opted not to renew his contract.
According to the URU Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramsey Olinga, the union will incur Beukes’ travel, accommodation, and upkeep costs while in Uganda.
Cheetahs will take care of the rest of the costs that include his basic salary. Beukes’ appointment as Rugby Cranes coach is as a result of the development partnership that the union signed with Cheetahs Rugby Club last year.
Since then, various coaches have come over to Uganda to assist the union on technical matters of the game. Cheetahs’ coach Naka Drotske visited Uganda last year before Free State referee society chairperson Albert Mocke last month.
Beukes is tasked to build a strong Rugby Cranes team that will compete through the qualifiers for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Beukes becomes the third South African coach to manage the Rugby Cranes. The others were Chester Williams and David Dobella. Rugby faithful will expect Beukes to resolve the decline in the national team.
Last year, the Rugby Cranes collapsed to a 34-0 humiliating defeat to Kenya in the second leg of the Elgon Cup despite claiming a 21-14 victory in the first leg.
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