Hogs grab rugby league title

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Monday August 16, 2010 00:00

The 40 year old coach led the side to a 23-20 win against the University of Botswana (UB) Rhinos last weekend at the Wharic Park in Gaborone. Former Hogs coach, Garry Knowles, led the team to a fourth place finish last season failing to retain the title a third successive time after Hogs won it in 2007 and 2008.

This season, Hogs finished well, having lost only one game in Phikwe against EMG Gunners in a group stage game.

In an interview with Monitor Sport, Van Zyl said that he found abundant talent at Hogs and all he had to do was steer it in the right direction. He said that winning the BRU league in his first season made him feel fulfilled.

He attributed the victory to the players, whom he said showed commitment throughout the season. He said that his lowest moment in the league was when Hogs lost to Gunners. 

Asked to single out Hogs' players who have a future in rugby, Van Zyl refused asserting that it would demoralise other team members.

'It would be unfair to single out anyone because they all performed well as a squad that was guided by other experienced players,' he said.

Van Zyl acknowledged that there are players who will one day proudly make the national team as long as they are further developed and they show dedication.

Van Zyl is not a stranger to Botswana rugby. He was the assistant coach for the national team, Vultures, in 2009 where he coordinated backline players. He worked under former coach, Ivor Greaves, who has now been succeeded by current EMG Gunners coach, Neal Gouws.

In 2006 Van Zyl captained Vultures. He says his biggest achievement to date is playing for the Vultures in 2007 when they won the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) tournament held in Gaborone.

Van Zyl is however not over ambitious about next season. Being a seasoned coach, he is open to possibilities. 'It is difficult to say what to expect next season as I have know what players will be available to determine a game plan for the season,' he said.

He revealed that he isn't sure that he will be the coach next season as he hasn't given much thought to how long he wants to coach the team.

Van Zyl said Botswana rugby has immense potential. He said the sport has grown from strength to strength and with the right guidance and direction it can be developed further.

'It is time for me to give back to Botswana rugby as I have received nothing but joy and pleasure from it,' he said. He is currently involved in coaching the mini Hogs team.

'I would love to put in as much as possible back into rugby and I would like to see through the successful development of the mini-Hogs,' he said. 

Van Zyl started playing Rugby at the tender age of eight when he represented the Kwa-Zulu Natal Sharks. Over the years he played for many sides in the league first division of the province.