1st Mar 2021
I joined the Lions in 2002 as the Technical Analyst for the Cats Super Rugby teams. My single proudest moment at the Lions was having being the coach of the 2004 Vodacom Cup team
My single proudest moment at the Lions was having being the coach of the 2004 Vodacom Cup team winning against the likes of Rassie Erasmus, Heyneke Meyer and Pieter de Villiers. But I must admit I love every single moment of seeing players excel and enjoy playing the game of rugby within our red and white colours, especially kids from schools and clubs in urban areas as well as in our townships.
During my career at the Lions I have realized how special it is that we can afford our junior players the opportunity to pursue studies whilst playing rugby. Some of those that stands out for me are players that became Springboks later on like Willem Alberts, Heinke van der Merwe, Brian Mujati, Jano Vermaak, Bryan Habana, Jean Deysel, Ricky January, Rudy Paige and Elton Jantjies. Most of them were also full-time students completing their studies at university.
Another highlight for me was winning the Vodacom Cup for the third time in a row – the only union with that accomplishment. The Vodacom Cup team of 2004 was the only unbeaten team that went on to winning the title.
I have been fortunate, in my role as Head of Junior Rugby in 2004 and doing recruitment of our junior players while also coaching the Under 20 and 21 teams that I helped identify talented players like Hacjivah Dyaimani, Madosh Tambwe, Victor Sekekete, Nkosinathi Masuku and Christian Humphreys through our development program.
And that is why it is my wish that people will see the Lions as a company with resilience which is always looking at ways to improve themselves.
Timmy’s journey in rugby: