The Lions on Wednesday appointed former SA Schools mentor Mziwakhe Nkosi as their head coach of this year's Currie Cup campaign.
He will be assisted by former Springbok Wessel Roux, Super Rugby assistant coach Philip Lemmer and Lions U20 assistant coach Wynand Ellis. All of whom were involved in the Lions' title victory in SA's U20 Cup.
Nkosi stated that he is honoured to steer his troops in his maiden campaign in South Africa's oldest domestic rugby competition.
"It is obviously a privilege to lead the Currie Cup side for a franchise like ours," said Nkosi in a press statement.
"From a personal development point, I am hoping that it is another experience that I can learn from at this level in concert with my passionate management team. I have no doubt we can create something special with the young talent coming through at the Lions."
Nkosi hinted that the Lions would have the opportunity to unleash a few new names onto the Currie Cup circuit and feels that the grooming of youngsters further establishes the Lions as one of the best franchises to play rugby.
"We're hoping to produce a successful team in terms of this year's competition. We're looking at a youthful group with plenty of pedigree in terms of having represented the Junior Springboks as well having been successful in the Junior Championships in the past," explains Nkosi.
"From a franchise perspective, it's about ensuring we produce players who can graduate to the URC team and keep the conveyor belt turning."
The Lions kick off their campaign against Western Province in Cape Town on 15 January.
Nkosi promises to make fans proud this season by adding an enjoyment factor to the game.
"Firstly, we are grateful for the unwavering support from our loyal fans. They can expect a team that plays a positive brand of rugby and a group of players who will demonstrate an enormous amount pride in the badge on their chest."
Sigma Lions 2022 Currie Cup management team:
Mziwakhe Nkosi (Head Coach), Wessel Roux (Forwards Coach), Philip Lemmer (Breakdown Specialist), Wynand Ellis (Backline and Attack), Kyle Peyper (Strength and Conditioning), Dr Anri Collins (Team Doctor), Hené Branders (Physiotherapist), MJ Rabodiba (Team Manager); Bestall Mondo (Assistant to Team Manager).
?? Mark those calendars, cause 2??0??2??2?? is going to be filled with @Vodacom #URC & Carling @TheCurrieCup action!#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/IIVcUCJnjx
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) December 29, 2021
Mziwakhe Nkosi will lead the Sigma Lions ahead of the 2022 Carling @TheCurrieCup campaign. The former SA Schools mentor will be assisted by former Springbok Wessel Roux, Phillip Lemmer and Wynand Ellis.Read more here ??#LionsPride https://t.co/7vwtK4qJgU
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 5, 2022
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