East Rand United welcomes new head coach
The Advertiser also went to talk to the man in question at United’s home base in Reiger Park to get his thoughts on his new challenge.
East Rand United have opted for experience and pedigree in their quest of pulling out all the stops to prepare for the South African Rugby Union (SARU) Gold Cup by appointing former Pirates Rugby Club coach Colin Lloyd as the team’s new head coach.
Lloyd replaces Stephan Nel, who took United to two trips to the Valke Peregrine League final. The Gold Cup kicks-off in March.
Lloyd served as backline coach for Pirates in 2013 and is also the senior mentor for Benoni High School’s first side.
He also enjoyed a coaching stint in Romania back in 2011.
His appointment was recently announced by club chairperson Marius de Vos.
De Vos added: “Just to clarify, Colin Lloyd is head coach for the Gold Cup; the management committee will convene during the course of the Gold Cup series to assess the coaching team to be able to recommend the head coach, who will be appointed by the executive committee.”
The chairperson’s words prompted the Advertiser to question on the course of the club’s action should Lloyd impress in the Gold Cup, to which he answered: “The club constitution only permits for a seasonal appointment; I can’t see how he should be replaced if he performs well in the Gold Cup.”
Lloyd said: “It’s going to be my first time being involved in the Gold Cup so it’s a step up for me as well, but at the end of the day we have to be ready and I’m ready for the Gold Cup.”
The trainer (37) added that he wants to maintain the club’s style of play which is running rugby; and wants to restore elements that make the game of rugby what it is today.
“Rugby is not about the culture and passion and living the dream of it anymore, it’s become about money, so I want to bring back the passion for the game within the community.”
Lloyd’s professional career in the game got underway as a player in 2001 at Western Province before stints with the Griquas and Leopards. He also plied his trade for the Lions and starred for the Johannesburg franchise in the 2007 Super Rugby campaign.
But it was with the Leopards where he arguably enjoyed the better part of his playing days: in 2006, he held the Currie Cup record for most tries in a season.
His preferred position was wing but he could also work at full-back.
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Preparations for Gold Cup in motion for East Rand United
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