'Coach P' bullish about future
07/08/2024 05:59 AM
Phiwe Nomlomo is optimistic about going all the way in the 2024 Currie Cup after kicking off his reign as head coach of the Vodacom Bulls with a north-south derby win.
The Bulls had the upper hand against DHL Western Province at a wet and chilly Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, and after holding a 13-5 lead at half time, went on to score twice after the break and hold off a spirited fightback from the hosts for a 30-25 victory.
"It was incredibly tough and I couldn't be prouder of the effort from the team. We showed how classy our forwards are, and our backs just finished it off," Nomlomo told reporters post-match in Cape Town.
"The game was never going to be perfect, and not just because of the weather; it was our first game together and we're looking at combinations, trying to find cohesion and also build an identity.
"The weather brought out character, which serendipitously was great for us so we're thankful for that."
The Bulls hit the road again for a round 2 clash with the Griffons in Welkom on Sunday afternoon, and Nomlomo is relishing the opportunity to claim another scalp and maintain momentum.
"We came to Cape Town to try and get maximum points and we got four points and we're happy about it, and now we look at the Griffons," he said.
"It's a cliche to say we're taking it game by game but literally it's day by day for us. Yes, we have a good squad in terms of the guys that we've got so let's see how deep we can go in this competition. I'm excited."
Referred to as 'Coach P' by his players, Nomlomo takes charge of the Bulls' Currie Cup campaign alongside former Springbok prop Werner Kruger, World Rugby Hall of Famer Kennedy Tsimba and ex-NWU Eagles tactician Jean Tiedt.
"The coaching staff we have in the Currie Cup, and the guys in the Vodacom URC – Chris Rossouw, Gary Gold and Andries Bekker – it's a tight unit and makes a massive difference," he explained.
"The one thing you mustn't take for granted is that the franchise is in a good place, but the people make the franchise. So to work with a guy like Jake [White, director of rugby] on a daily basis, rubbing shoulders and sharing ideas, I don't take that lightly.
"Every competition we play in as the Bulls we want to win; as a franchise that's what we're after. It's not just about winning games, it's about winning cups."
Photo: © Vodacom Bulls
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