CHARLES Mndaweni will be the man under pressure come 2017, after his recent appointment as Mancosa Rhinos head coach.
But the 35-year-old is not phased by expectations, as his playing and coaching resume boasts many provincial accolades.
Mndaweni started his rugby career in primary school (1992) as a winger and outside centre, before later moving into the loose trio (openside flanker).
As a player, he represented Northwood High School first XV (1999), KZN U13 (1994) and U18 (1999) at Craven Week, played club rugby for Jaguares (2000/2001), represented KZN U19 (2000) and U21 (2002), played for the Wildebeest team (2003), won numerous club, competition and league titles at College Rovers (2003-2007/2010), played for Sharks XV in the Vodacom Cup (2006/2007), Springbok Amateurs team (2007), Western Province Vodacom Cup squad (2008) and SK Walmers Rugby Club (2008).
He made his move onto Zululand’s doorstep in 2011 to work as a coach at the Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA).
After the closure of the ZRA in 2012, he was employed by the KZN Rugby Union as a coach to run rugby development within the Zululand region.
He also coached at the Sharks Academy from 2004 to 2006 and coached the Sharks Ladies 7s side in 2009.
Last year he coached the Zululand U20 team.
‘Electing Charles to coach next season was an easy decision on our behalf, as he brings so much talent, experience and new ideas to the table,’ said Empangeni Rugby Football Club president Simon Harvey.
‘He has the full support of the management team and we all look forward to next season.’
Mndaweni has a diploma in marketing management, a certificate in business management, is an IRB educator, a Boxsmart and Clubwise facilitator and has an IRB Level 2 coaching certificate.
‘I am really honoured to have been given the reins for the 2017 season, and look forward to taking the club forward in a positive manner,’ said Mndaweni.
‘I am going to be bringing in some new exciting players from all over the Zululand region, as well as Durban.
‘I would like to finish sixth next year in the premier league, increase player depth and sponsorship within the club, as well as bring commitment and family culture back into the club.’
There will be a player gathering and coach presentation on Friday at Mick Kelly Park at 5pm.
Pre-season training will start on Tuesday, 1 November for the next six weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Mick Kelly Park from 6pm to 8pm.
After the festive season break, pre-season training will continue on 5 January, with friendlies being played in March, before the start of the new season in April.
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