Pumas get new assistant coach
The CEO of Mpumalanga Rugby, Pieter Burger recently announced the appointment of the new Pumas assistant coach at Mpumalanga Rugby (Pty) Ltd, Hein Kriek, who is currently the head coach of the Paul Roos Gymnasium High School in Stellenbosch.
Kriek, a former Lowvelder and Hoërskool Nelspruit matriculant, joins the Steval Pumas squad from January 7.
The 38-year-old Kriek, who also currently heads the coaching team of the South African Rugby Union SA Schools, commented, “I grew up in Malalane, but my family left the area when I went to North-West University Potchefstroom Campus to study BSc sport science in 1996.”
“It’s a great opportunity for me to return to the place where I fell in love with the sport. The choice to join the Pumas was actually an easy one, as I love the brand of rugby they play and their morals and family values are where I see myself and my family fitting in. Most importantly as a young coach, it gives me as a fantastic opportunity to compete in the Premier Currie Cup, which is certainly any coaches’ dream to be a part of,” Kriek said.
A short summary of Kriek’s coaching career:
Tertiary education
• Honours in BSc sport science and a post-graduate teaching diploma from the North West University Potchefstroom.
Rugby Pedigree
• Hamilton’s Sea Point Rugby Football Club
• Super A Grand Challenge Champions (2009)
• National Club Champions (2009)
• Henry Marcus trophy for coach of the year (2010)
• Paul Roos Gymnasium
• Number two ranked u/19 team in South Africa (2014/15)
• SANIX World Youth Champions in Japan (2014).
Western Province
• Interprovincial Academy Week Champions (2008/10/12)
• Interprovincial Craven Week Champions (2013)
South African Rugby Union
• 2015 SARU SA Schools Quadrangular tournament – South Africa vs France, Wales and England. Finished tournament undefeated.
