Gigi Kodwa, in his capacity as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, gave his stamp of approval to the Springboks' new coaching group announced on Tuesday.
Also read | Introducing the new coaching staff of the South African Springboks!
SA Rugby has finally confirmed that Rassie Erasmus will return to the helm as Springbok head coach, with Kiwi Tony Brown and Irishman Gerry Flannery appointed as new assistant coaches. Mzwandile Stick, Daan Human and Deon Davids retained their positions as assistant coaches.
Recently retired Test umpire and four-time SA Umpire of the Year Jaco Peiper will join the Springbok team as a national legal advisor.
In addition, two-time World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen has been appointed as traveling coach for all SA Rugby national teams, working with existing coaches Franzel September and Bafana Nireko to join the Mobi Coaching Unit. He becomes the third member of the group.
Sports minister welcomes Springbok changes
And it didn't take long for Kodwa to offer his expert opinion on the much-talked-about coaching setting.
“I welcome the new appointments to the Springbok technical team. I encourage them to continue on their path to improving SA rugby. I commend the appointment of recently retired Bok legend Duane Vermeulen. This represents an important pathway into coaching and sports management for former players.” the sports minister wrote on social media.
He then clarified that the photo attached to the original tweet only showed the new recruit, adding that Mzwandile Stick is still part of the Springboks' technical team.
“These are new appointments and Mzwandile Stix remains assistant coach.” the sports minister said.