Diergaardt back in the hot seat

LIMBA MUPETAMI Johan Diergaardt is new head coach of the senior rugby side. This was announced yesterday by the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) at a press conference in Windhoek.Of 18 coaches who applied for the post, Diergaardt was the only Namibian who eventually made the cut for the position. Three other candidates, Antonio Aguilar from Portugal and Wilber Kraak and Jonathan Mokoena – both from South Africa – were also shortlisted.According to union president Corrie Mensah, the candidates were interviewed through Skype and after an in-depth assessment and presentation process, the board approved the recommendation from the interview panel to appoint Diergaardt.“It should be mentioned that it was tough and a close race for the position, however, Diergaardt empowered himself for the role, attending rugby courses in South Africa. That and his vast experience convinced the interview panel that he is the right man for the job.“They were also looking at different requirements such as qualifications as well as technical and coaching abilities,” he further added.The newly appointed coach’s mandate was not disclosed by NRU as that is a discussion between the entity and Diergaardt, Mensah stated.Diergaardt also didn’t reveal much about his appointment yesterday, only responding to say that he was in a meeting.His task, however, now is to lead the squad into the upcoming SuperSport Challenge Cup with the Welwitschias’ first match at home on 25 April against the Blue Bulls.On 2 May, the Namibians will face Golden Lions (away), while 9 May will be a feature against the Griquas (away). On 16 May, a home match will take place against the Griffons.On 23 May, the Welwitschias will face the Leopards (away), while 30 May will see them crossing paths with the Pumas at home. On the same day, a test match is also scheduled against Zambia.“We are in talks to have the match moved. If that doesn’t happen, we will obviously field the first team against the Zambians,” said Mensah without hesitation.In the past, Diergaardt had a stint in the head coach role when he led the men to victory at the Nations Cup in 2010, and he also led the World Cup squad in 2011.At club level, he won three successive trophies with Unam Rugby Club. He has a level three qualification accredited by World Rugby. Before his appointment, he served as head coach of the under-20 national rugby side.He was tasked to prepare the team for Rugby Africa's under-20 Barthés Trophy, which doubles as a qualifier for the World Rugby under-20 trophy.The newly appointed coach will have the choice of his technical team, with the approval of the board, it was also announced. Asked whether they are also empowering former rugby players to take up coaching positions, Mensah said not every good player becomes a great coach. “It also boils down to whether they are interested and capable to take on the role because we are pro transfer of skills to Namibians, in order for them to fill the positions,” he said.In addition to the post at the U-20s, the national sevens coach and team managers were also appointed. The U-20 coach is Jood Opperman, while Robbie Dicksen and Chrysander Botha were shortlisted.The national sevens coach is David Philander. Gerald Loubser and Renaldo Pedro were shortlisted.The team manager for the national senior side is Irwin Newman and the U-20 team manager is Desiree Coetzee, while Jacky Husselman will fill the position for the national sevens.

Diergaardt back in the hot seat

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-08

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Diergaardt back in the hot seat

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-08

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