Give coaches of colour the gap and they’ll take it
GIVE them a little opportunity, and black rugby coaches could flourish in South Africa.
There has been widespread concern in rugby circles that there does not seem to be enough coaches of colour in the country. David Manuel, the Bulls assistant coach to Nollis Marais, believes otherwise.
“I disagree that there are no black coaches,” Manuel told Sunday Times. “It’s all about the need for opportunities for coaches of colour.”
Manuel, an afro-sporting, nippy and elusive fullback for the Bulls and Griquas in his playing days, is one of the black coaches who has made it to the top tier in South Africa.
After coaching Varsity Cup teams at Tukkies, age-group teams and the Vodacom Cup side at the Blue Bulls, the 35year-old was appointed backline coach for the Currie Cup side ahead of his elevation as Super Rugby mentor of the backs for the next four years.
Manuel has been one of the men responsible for the rejuvenated Bulls team as he ignited the spark in the formidable Bulls backline that impressed last year on the domestic scene.
The former Bulls, SA Schools, SA Under-19 and Under-21 player believes that there are plenty more coaches of colour who are capable of reaching the same heights that he has in top-tier rugby — but only if they are afforded the opportunities.
“I am blessed that the Bulls had enough trust in me to give me the job,” he said.
“I really think if we look across the country we will find that there are a lot of coaches in our communities. If they were to be given the same opportunities, given responsibility and time, they would grow. A large number of them are awaiting such opportunities and will make them count.”
While he has established himself as a top backline coach and one of the up-and-coming coaches to watch in the incoming season, he believes that he still has plenty to learn before he can stand on his own feet and look towards a head coach position.
“I believe that there are seasons in life. At the moment I am learning what I need to learn and am still growing as a coach. That will be my season for the next four years. I want to end it in a position one day where I can say, ‘Yes, I did it’,” he said.
“Now I want to learn to the max — as much as I can — and grow to the fullest in order to be technically and tactically mature. Whether I become a head coach, I will cross that bridge when I get there. For now, it’s all about learning, learning and more learning.”
Coach “Chuck” Nollis Marais holds Manuel — the B.A. Baracus of the Bulls’ coaching A-team — in high regard.
“We fight a lot — Dave and I,” the Bulls head coach said.
“At times I want to play a more conservative game, but Dave will insist on an expansive, attractive game — like the Crusaders — and in the end he wins. I respect him highly and it is a pleasure to work with the coaching staff that I have.” UP-AND-COMING: Bulls backline coach David Manuel is one of the few coaches of colour in SA
I disagree there are no black coaches. It’s all about opportunities
Manuel is now looking forward to his maiden Super Rugby campaign this year, which begins with an encounter against the Stormers at Newlands on February 27.
Even during his year-end break, the Super Rugby campaign is all that is on the backline coach’s mind.
“I still have butterflies in my stomach,” he said while enjoying a bunny chow on holiday in Durban earlier in the week.
“I woke up and thought about the Stormers and [new coach] Robbie Fleck, and I had butterflies and goosebumps.”
He doesn’t concentrate on his talented backline only. During the Bulls training sessions, he can often be seen imparting some of his skills and attack knowledge to some of the forwards — like lock Marvin Orie and prop Pierre Schoeman — during and after training.
“Our philosophy is that we afford them the opportunity to utilise their skills, thereby creating platforms for them to play to the best of their abilities,” he said.
“The game is evolving to a place where No 1 to No 15 have to make decisions. I’m a firm believer in encouraging players to develop their own skills, to make decisions in the moment.
“I want them to make good decisions with the ball in hand. As soon as they take ownership, the better they will be.”