Discussing Nel’s shocking move from Boksburg to ER UTD
The Advertiser caught up with former Boksburg Rugby Club senior side coach, Stephen Nel, who jumped ship from the Owls to next door Peregrine League rivals East Rand United at the end of last season.
Nel, 35, made the move at a time both sides were experiencing contrasting fortunes – Boksburg were planted at the bottom of the Valke Peregrine League table following a tough season while United had already began to prepare after being promoted from the Merlin League to the Peregrine League.
With the move occurring swiftly behind closed doors, the Advertiser sought to get the details from the mentor himself in a discussion.
Why did you move?
I got a job opportunity at Phakisa Holdings (United partners) in September 2015 and then Werne Pretorius (Phakisa managing director) asked if I would like to coach at ERU (East Rand United).
Was it an easy decision to make?
No, it wasn’t.
Was it a smooth move, did it not turn personal because of maybe some people at the Owls feeling betrayed?
Yes, it did turn personal but ERU welcomed me with open arms and made the move easier.
You wife, Monique, obviously also left the Owls. What’s her role at ERU?
Yes, she also moved. She’s my team manager. And I must add, the best team manager. She’s also doing all club admin on the Valke system.
How is life at ERU?
It’s good. People are friendly and I’m enjoying the rugby.
* Nel is the U-21 coach at ERU. He was one of a number of managerial changes the club made in preparation to their involvement in the Peregrine League.
Also read:
New Owls coach sets sights on league glory
Owls give PG Park a last hurrah
New coach Fourie wants Boksburg to conquer league with attacking
