Dale College Parents Threaten Legal Action Over Rugby Coach Recruitment in Qonce
- Parents at Dale College in Qonce wrote to the school governing body demanding answers about how a new first-team rugby coach is being selected
- Former Border Bulldogs player Bangihlombe Kobese, who has been on Dale's coaching staff since 2023, was not shortlisted despite meeting the advertised requirements
- Kobese's lawyer wrote to the school on 17 September after his client received no communication following the close of applications
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Parents at Dale College in Qonce have written to the school's governing body challenging its recruitment process for a new first-team rugby coach, and have threatened legal action if their concerns go unanswered, according to a News24 report.
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In the letter, which News24 has seen, parents questioned how the process was being conducted and expressed frustration at being unable to explain it to their children.
"We have no answer to give them," the parents wrote.
No appointment has been confirmed.
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Kobese left without a response
The coaching post was re-advertised as a two-year fixed-term contract. Requirements included a coaching qualification, a proven record at schoolboy first-team level, and strong knowledge of tactics, conditioning and injury management.
Bangihlombe Kobese, a former Border scrum-half who has been part of Dale's coaching staff since 2023, applied for the position. He says he satisfied all the advertised criteria but was never shortlisted.
After receiving neither an interview invitation nor a rejection following the close of applications, Kobese engaged attorney Loyiso Nqini, who wrote to the school on 17 September seeking an explanation. Kobese told News24 he had invested heavily in the junior programme and in building a foundation for Dale rugby.
Kobese is a Dale old boy who reportedly served as first-team captain in 2011. News24 also notes that former Springbok and Blue Bulls winger Bjorn Basson, who matriculated from Dale, was considered for a coaching role earlier this year but was not appointed.
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Governing body declines to comment
School governing body chairperson Leon Nkwenkwe declined to respond to specific questions about the recruitment concerns when approached by News24. Director of sports Lukhanyo Tshongweni was also contacted for comment.
Dale College has produced several Springboks over the years, with rugby deeply embedded in the school's identity. Briefly News has reached out to Dale College, Kobese and the Eastern Cape Department of Education for comment.
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