|
February 3 – New Vodacom Cup coach of the MTN Golden Lions, Deon Davids, sees the disruptive nature of preparation for his team – as it is for all other Super Rugby franchises – as a challenge rather than a setback.
“It’s a difficult one, but a good challenge,” says Davids about not having his full squad (yet) to prepare for the Vodacom Cup series that starts against away against the Platinum Leopards on March 10. In 2011 Davids coached the Vodacom Cup side in tandem with Nico Serfontein before taking over the Under-21s.
Davids' challenge is, of course, that he will only havet the players from the University of Johannesburg after their second FNB Varsity Cup match against Ikeys on February 14; and also that he has not been training with his squad only. The extended Lions squad - including the Supr Rugby players - have been put through their conditioning together. They have trained as a group, including some Under-21 players who have been invited with a view to play for the Vodacom Cup side.
“It is our aim that all the players in the Lions teams will be coached in the same principles. Strategically, of course, each coach then plans his team’s game depending on the opposition – but the system we’re following will also make it easier for players to move from one team to the other as the same principles are being followed.
“It is of course a great experience and learning curve for the young players. “We sit down every Monday to discuss players.”
The former Boland Cavaliers coach points out that, as coach of that Cape team, he had his squad early on and could work with them until the kick-off of the competition.
“The present situation is however a great challenge. It is also an opportunity for self-growth, a new learning experience as coach,” he says – and points out that the Lions are preparing in a dynamic environment where they are blessed with some outstanding young talent at Vodacom Cup and under-21 level.
He realistically accepts that he could lose some of the young talent to the SA Under-20 national side, but that, as he had said, is merely another challenge.
Davids expects to have his full Vodacom Cup squad together by about February 14, after UJ’s second Varsity Cup match and with John Mitchell probably settled on his Super Rugby squad. That gives him nearly four weeks to hone the side.
“The whole Lions squad had a good run this (Friday) morning. It was a very interesting exercise and a number of Under-21s put their hand up. We’ll probably have a similar run next weekend. After that the larger Lions squad will be split and prepare individually for the Super and Vodacom Cup competitions.
“We have only a single warm-up game, against the Pumas on February 18.”
|
