Dale College Appoints Thabiso Kweleta as Rugby Coach

• Dale College has appointed Thabiso Kweleta as its first-team rugby head coach, according to News24
• The decision follows questions from parents and alumni about the recruitment process
• Former Springbok Bjorn Basson and former Border Bulldogs player Bangihlombe Kobese were among those linked to the coaching dispute

Dale College in Qonce has appointed Thabiso Kweleta as its first-team rugby head coach following weeks of scrutiny over the school's recruitment process, according to News24.

The appointment comes after parents raised concerns about how the position was filled, while former Springbok winger Bjorn Basson and fellow Dale old boy Bangihlombe Kobese were among the individuals linked to the controversy. The school reportedly announced Kweleta's appointment in a Facebook post.

Who is Dale College's new coach?

Kweleta is a teacher at Dale College and has progressed through the school's rugby coaching structures, according to the supplied News24 report. His coaching experience includes working with the school's Under-14, Under-15 and Under-16 teams before moving to the third team. He also joined the first-team coaching setup earlier in 2026.

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News24 reported that Kweleta holds World Rugby Level 1 and Level 2 coaching certificates. The school reportedly credited its first-team coaching group with achieving a 70% win rate during the 2026 season. That figure should be attributed to the school unless independently verified.

Kweleta's appointment marks a significant development in the school's coaching programme, particularly given the questions raised about the selection process.

Why Dale College's coaching appointment drew attention

The recruitment process attracted criticism from parents who questioned the transparency of the selection procedure.

In a report published on 5 October, Briefly News, citing News24, reported that parents had written to Dale College's governing body seeking answers and threatening legal action if their concerns were not addressed. The report also stated that Kobese had not been shortlisted despite saying he met the advertised requirements.

Kobese, a former Border Bulldogs scrum-half who had been part of Dale's coaching staff since 2023, instructed an attorney to write to the school on 17 September, according to the report.

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Former Springbok and Bulls winger Basson also spoke to Rugby365 about his experience. In its 7 October report, the publication said Dale had approached Basson about the first-team coaching position before he participated in the formal recruitment process. He said he subsequently received no feedback following his interview.

The Old Dalian Union also expressed disappointment with how the recruitment matter had been handled. Its former president, Phiwe Ndinisa, told Rugby365 that the organisation wanted Basson involved in the school's rugby programme.

The appointment of Kweleta is the latest development in the dispute. However, the concerns raised by parents and alumni should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing by the school.

Dale College, established in 1861, has a long rugby tradition and has produced several prominent South African players, including Aphelele Fassi, Aphiwe Dyantyi and Gcobani Bobo, according to the school's official website.

Former Springbok speaks out on Dale College coaching saga

Briefly News previously reported that Basson’s account of what happened after his Dale College coaching interview has raised fresh questions about how the school handled the appointment

The Old Dalian Union has weighed in on the recruitment dispute, with alumni pushing for Basson to be given a role in the school’s rugby programme

Source: Briefly News