Commander in Chief: SA Born Rugby Coach Makes It Big in Russia
Former Springboks Sevens player Vuyo Zangqa has tried his hand at coaching and it definitely paid off. Vuyo is now coaching a Russian rugby club and is proud. Briefly.co.za takes a look at Vuyo's journey through life and rugby.
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It's a proud moment when a South African makes boss moves in another country. This is the case for SA-born rugby coach Vuyo Zangqa, who is coaching a Russian rugby club called Narvskaya Zastava based in St. Petersburg.
Vuyo Zangqa has always been passionate about rugby and started his career with the Springbok Sevens. Following his stint as a player, Vuyo went on to pursue professional coaching. Vuyo has coached teams in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Germany.
Briefly.co.za spoke exclusively to Vuyo about how he made his career such a colorful one in such a short amount of time.
Vuyo says that his love for the sport started when he watched the 1995 Rugby World Cup with his older brother.
"I fell in love with the game and I never turned back," he said.
Source: Original
Even though he's living in another country with a totally different culture, Vuyo says that he adapts to situations well and his move to Russia was actually exciting.
"The language barrier is a bit of a challenge but Zastava welcomed me and made my transition very smooth and comfortable," said Vuyo.
Vuyo says that he didn't really always know that he wanted to coach one day. He has just always been passionate about teaching and when the opportunity came, he grabbed it with both hands.
When looking back on his career with the Springbok Sevens, Vuyo says that it was an experience that shaped him to be the coach he is today. He maintains that he will always be grateful for the opportunity.
Vuyo would like to see the team that he is currently coaching become recognised by their hometown.
"I’d love to grow the love of rugby and create a pathway for young kids to aspire to represent Zastava." said Vuyo.
He would also like to see the club take part in local events and win a few cups to make them stand out. Vuyo has won the 2008/2009 World Series with the Springbok Sevens as a player and as a coach, he has won the European Series with the Germany Sevens.
When asked what his favourite thing about being a rugby coach is, Vuyo said that it is the friendships that are formed through rugby and his contribution to the growth of the players.
His advice to anybody who wants to pursue rugby at a professional level is to have a backup plan.
"Firstly, always keep in mind that your career can be cut short. Make a plan for a life after rugby. Secondly, make use of every opportunity presented to you at that very moment. Treasure the jersey."
Source: Original
In other sports news, Briefly.co.za reported that Proteas' Chris Morris made history and became the most expensive IPL player.
Chris Morris of South Africa's Proteas has just made IPL history. The Proteas all-rounder was sold to Rajasthan Royals for a whopping $2.2 which is roughly a whopping thirty-million South African rands.
This makes Morris the most expensive player to be sold in IPL history. Since the news was shared online many South Africans have shared their thoughts on it also taking some time to congratulate the cricket player.
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Source: Briefly News
