Up close and personal with East Rand United coach
East Rand United (ERU) has been in fine form this season and the Advertiser had a word with the man behind the impressive performances, Derick Sampson.
The 45-year-old coach talked about his time in the United dugout, a Springbok who played for United and transformation in the game, amongst other topics.
The Advertiser asked:
Since becoming East Rand United coach, how have you found your stint?
It was very difficult in the past as ERU were struggling to maintain their players. Because of money, players left the club for bigger clubs.
For how long have you been coaching East Rand United?
I’ve been coaching the side for 12 years.
The team has been playing exciting, running rugby, how did you get them to play this brand of rugby and why do you prefer this brand compared to the traditional South African power game?
Growing up as a player we were coached to play attacking rugby. That style of coaching was adopted as I grew up.
East Rand United are second on the Merlin log, with just Nigel ahead, what’s the difference between you guys and Nigel?
My players are young and inexperienced, and currently learning the difficult game plan I am putting to them to become a mean team on the field of play. Nigel have been playing as a team for three years and ERU just started this year.
Without sounding controversial, for a game dominated by white players, United’s squad is dominated by players of colour and seemingly succeeding on the pitch… does transformation in the game have anything to do with the number of players of colour in the squad?
We are a community club that is open to any player, irrespective of colour or race. ERU is demonstrating transformation. We select the best player on the day.
If you could have one Springbok in the squad, who would it be and why?
Adrian Jacobs, because of his ability to destroy the defence lines – and he played his rugby for ERU.
Which group in the squad is easier to work with: forwards or backs?
Forwards.
Who’s the biggest character and the most serious player in the team?
Biggest character would be Gamat Ndanda and the serious player is Jackie Jonker.
Who’s your favourite international player?
Serge Blanco, from France.
Do you have any national or international rugby coach you look up to, if yes, why?
No.
South Africa had only one team in this year’s Super Rugby play-offs, the Stormers. They were, of course, comprehensively beaten at home by the Brumbies, leaving no SA team in the competition, where is SA rugby faltering?
The type of players produced in SA are not skilful.
How do you think the Boks will do in this year’s World Cup?
To play rugby with over 35 players in the WC is not going to be easy for SA.
What do you do when you’re off the rugby field?
Spend time with my three children. – @SabeloBoksburg
