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Stormers Player Evan Russ Takes Over the Legacy of the 'Men in Black' Jersey Ahead of New URC Season
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Stormers Player Evan Russ Takes Over the Legacy of the 'Men in Black' Jersey Ahead of New URC Season

Evan Russ, a player for the Stormers team, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the tradition associated with the 'Men in Black' jersey in the new United Rugby Championship (URC) season.

Stormers number eight, Evan Russ, will represent the Cape franchise in the 'Men in Black' jersey in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup tournaments. He noted that he will not behave like the famous Bobby Skinstad by sticking his tongue out, but hopes to pass on the spirit created by the former star Stormers player, impressing fans with his ball-carrying bursts.

Last season, Russ showed outstanding play for the Cape team when they reached the URC semi-finals but lost to champions Leinster in Dublin. The team started the campaign very successfully, winning ten matches in a row, but the middle of the season meant they could not take advantage of the opportunity to play a home playoff.

Despite Russ registering 12 tries in the URC last season, playing both in attack and defense, he will remain one of the forwards that Stormers relies on this season. Russ stated: 'I don't think you will see me playing with my tongue out, but you can expect a big smile.'

The powerful forward admitted that he contributed to the team getting the black jersey again after discussing with friends how great it would be to play in it again. He then brought up the topic with Stormers Rugby CEO Johan le Roux, although he did not expect it to happen this season.

Russ emphasized the significance of this jersey, saying: 'I declare that I sowed the seed of this idea, but this jersey is truly iconic, and I approve of and support it. It has a rich heritage, and it is a great honor to be part of this club, wear this jersey, and what it symbolizes. It is an absolutely special feeling to follow in the footsteps of the guys who came before us and keep the jersey in the best condition.'

According to Russ, the team is ready for the new season, concluding preparations before the start of the URC. Stormers will begin the season away, and it is expected that they will wear the black jersey against Connacht at the end of the month. The team intends to avenge the loss to the Irish club at the DHL stadium last season to start the campaign.

Russ added that despite the initially successful start, the team had internal issues during the season. He promised: 'Every time this team wears the Stormers jersey, we are not going to lose. We are here to compete and achieve the best result.' He also noted that pre-season training went well, and they clearly know their strengths, and they have worked on areas needing improvement compared to last year, expressing excitement about the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to the residents of Cape Town and the Western Cape.

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Experts advise SAFA to build on Hugo Broos' legacy, not regress
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Experts advise SAFA to build on Hugo Broos' legacy, not regress

There is an opinion that SAFA should avoid bringing in Molefi Ntseki as a temporary solution and instead appoint an experienced coach capable of building upon the successes achieved by Hugo Broos. Critics note that SAFA is essentially its own worst enemy because, instead of relying on the foundation laid by former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, they are trying to undo all achievements and return to a starting level.

Hugo Broos left his post at Bafana after successfully completing his work, qualifying for two Afrocans, including winning bronze at the 2023 playoff tournament. Furthermore, he brought the team back to the World Cup for the first time since it was held in 2010.

Broos' team participated in the world tournament, reaching the playoffs for the first time in history, following the example of the women's and youth teams—Banyana Banyana and Amajita.

SAFA NEC approved the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the new coach of Bafana Bafana. During his five years, the Belgian coach built the team on principles such as competitiveness, discipline, including off-field conduct, and camaraderie, effectively eliminating any influence of club allegiances.

It was expected that Broos' successor would continue this work and take the national team to a new level. After a long silence, the national executive committee of SAFA submitted a proposal for Pitso Mosimane to take over after Broos.

This news caused mixed reactions. Some argued that Mosimane had already failed in this role and would seek to implement his own philosophy rather than continue Broos' work. Others believe that he has matured and fully meets the requirements.

Thanks to his track record and coaching experience worldwide, including North Africa and the Middle East, Mosimane is a strong candidate to replace Broos. However, a hurdle for SAFA is Mosimane's high cost. His agency, MT Sports Marketing and Management, initially rejected SAFA's annual offer of 5 million rand, as Mosimane is reportedly set to receive a salary significantly lower than the 1.4 million rand received by his predecessor.

Nevertheless, after SAFA presented an improved offer of 10 million rand, MT Sports reportedly agreed, provided that Mosimane's staff, including Musi Matlaba and Kabelo Rangogu, also receive permanent contracts.

SAFA, however, seems unwilling to compromise. They insist on running the team on 'per call deals' while retaining part of Broos' staff, including Helman Mkhalele, citing the need for growth and continuity.

As negotiations between Mosimane and SAFA reached an impasse, reports emerged that the mother organization is considering approaching current technical director Molefi Ntseki to lead the team in the 2027 Afrocans qualifiers, which begin next month. This would be catastrophic.

Ntseki previously failed at Bafana after his team could not qualify for Afrocans 2021, leading to his dismissal and replacement by Broos, who has since taken the team to high positions. Unlike Mosimane, who demonstrated significant progress after leaving the association, including success with Africa’s Club of the Century, Al Ahly, Ntseki also failed at the country's most popular club, Kaizer Chiefs, where he was sacked after only one season as head coach.

Recognizing that SAFA is in a precarious position and desperately needs a quick solution for the start of high-level qualifiers, experts emphasize that they cannot afford to revert to the 'former' who harmed them, even if it is done for the right reason—'bringing someone in from within'. If SAFA is serious, it should appoint an experienced coach who understands the pressure and demands of the Bafana role and is capable of preserving the legacy created by Broos over the years. Gordon Igesund is one possible option. Meanwhile, Broos reportedly declined an offer to return and temporarily lead the team while SAFA negotiates with the Mosimane camp, but he could still serve in an advisory role for whoever takes the interim position, despite having previously stated he would not dictate what his successor should do after leaving.

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