Newly appointed Zimbabwe Rugby ,The Sables ,head coach, Peter de Villiers says his most immediate target is to win his first competitive game, in a World Cup Qualifier match against Morocco on June 16.
De Villiers, known for his outspoken views on the game, coached the Springboks between 2007 and 2011, winning the Tri-Nations in 2009 and a series against the British and Irish Lions in the same year.
But what can the nation expect from the man who swapped the green blazer of the Boks for the green one of the Sables?
Speaking after meeting Sports, Arts and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe yesterday, de Villiers said his main wish is to win his first game in charge ,which is four months away.
“I only have one target so far and that is to win my first game on June 16 (against Morocco). Obviously i don’t have control over winning or losing but i have control over how we will play. On 16 June there will only be mismatches ,no mistakes on our side,” he said.
But does he have the right players for the job?
Div, as he is popularly known,and has since gone back to South Africa to asses Zimbabwean players playing there,added that the only players who will make it into his team are those who have passion to play for the country.
New Zim Rugby Coach Peter de Villiers and the New Sables Exec , led by the two Vice Presidents Losson Mutongwiza and Martin Shone, paid a courtesy call on Sports Minister Kazembe Kazembe yesterday
(Pic By Lovejoy Mutongwiza)
“The reason I’m going back to South Africa is to see our players who are playing there so that I can find out if they are interested in representing the country because only those who have passion for the country will play for the country.
“We don’t only expect them to be good rugby players, we expect them to give their lives,” de Villiers, who boasts of a 62% winning record during his days with the Boks, said.
Zimbabwe struggled in the African Gold Cup last year, losing to Kenya, Namibia, Tunisia and Uganda.
They will be playing the same opponents in their round-robin World Cup qualifiers this year.
Should the Sables book their place in the showpiece, they will be grouped in the same pool as South Africa, as well as world champion All Blacks, and Italy.
However, their path to the World Cup will not be a walk in the park as Namibia are favorites to occupy the vacant “Africa 1” spot in the pool.
Div also seem to have won the heart of sports minister Kazembe Kazembe who was full of praises for the veteran coach.
“…if you intend to become one of the best, you have to bring one of the best coaches and Peter De Villiers is one of the best coaches in this game…for De Villiers to agree to come and take the job here is a vote confidence in the administration…” Kazembe said.
