FNB Madibaz rugby coach Andre Tredoux is excited about his appointment as the new Madibaz rugby coach, with the team set to return to the top-flight Varsity Cup next year.
Andre Tredoux has been appointed the new coach for the FNB Madibaz rugby team. Photo: Supplied
The 42-year-old is currently head coach of Russian club Moscow Slava but is looking forward to a return to South Africa and becoming involved with what he described as a “passionate rugby university”.
During his time with Varsity Cup team Shimlas from Bloemfontein, Tredoux said they knew they always faced a tough challenge in Port Elizabeth.
“There is a lot of passion when it comes to Madibaz rugby and it was always a hard game,” he said.
He grew up in Amanzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal and attended Free State University after matriculating from Kuswag High.
While playing for Shimlas and College Rovers in Durban, Tredoux developed an interest in coaching at schoolboy level.
When an injury ended his playing days he took his first job in 2003 as the Cheetahs U20 conditioning and skills coach. That proved the catalyst for his mentoring career.
He linked up with Slava Moscow as their head coach last year and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“But I must admit, it’s not ideal for family life over here and I was excited to get the chance to link up with Madibaz,” he said.
Tredoux added that planning was well under way for the Varsity Cup.
“We have assembled a coaching staff of Lubabalo Lento, Barend Pieterse, Luvuyo Mhlobiso, Siyanda Pinini (analyst), Rob Yates (high performance) and Nico Koen (manager).
“There have been several meetings and we have done a swot analysis. We have been looking at the recruitment of talented schoolboys for the long-term future and also the strengthening of our Varsity Cup squad.”
He said he understood the competitive nature of the competition, but they were “ready for the fight”.
“Our culture will be one where we will have to push the players outside their comfort zones, but also make it an enjoyable environment. It is an approach I believe the players will embrace.”