Tuks Varsity Cup coach Nollis Marais does not believe in quick fixes
For Tuks’ experienced Varsity Cup coach there is no quick fix to be successful in this year's campaign.
Shortly before the start of the Varsity Cup 2019 on Monday night, the experienced Tuks coach Nollis Marais emphasized that he does not believe in quick fixes and that is why he would be happy if his team get to contest the Varsity Cup semi-finals this year.
“Everyone knows once you get to play in the semi-finals anything can happen,” explains Marais.
He admits to there being some really talented players in his squad, but unfortunately talent alone is no guarantee to winning games. When it really matters, it is the experience that clinches games, and that is the one thing Tuks seriously lack for this Varsity Cup campaign. According to Marais the average age of the players in the team is just over 21.
“When I got Tuks to win in 2012 it did not just happen. Becoming champions was a two-year process in the making. In 2011 we lost out in the final, but the experience we gained stood us to good stead over the next two years as we were victorious in 2013 also. Tuks rugby is currently in a rebuilding phase. It is all about getting the players to believe in their abilities,” Marais explained.
This popular coach does not believe in complicating coaching rugby.
“For me, the three most essential components to get a team to win are firstly to have the best players. Then ensuring that they are fit. And then, most important, is establishing true camaraderie amongst the players.”
Marais said in the days when he was still playing, you would find doctors, attorneys, carpenters and teachers all playing for the same team.
“However, the moment we stepped onto the field to play we were all equal. The only thing that mattered was having your teammates’ back for the duration of the game. Nothing else mattered. We were truly like a band of brothers, and that is what I want to establish in this team,” said Marais.
He tips Maties and Wits as the two teams to beat.
“They are indeed two of the most experienced teams in the competition. But it is important to remember that there is very seldom such a thing as an easy game in Varsity Cup Rugby. The problem with coaching a young, inexperienced team is that the players tend to get nervous when they are under pressure which leads to costly mistake,” he emphasized.
According to Marais he is a firm believer in getting players to play to their strengths.
“But for now, as coaches we might have to lay down a definite game plan for each game to give the players some guidance. For this, we have identified a leadership group with whom we will sit down to discuss our strategy,” he concluded.
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