Monument High School in Krugersdorp, and their 1stXV known as the Wit Bulle, welcomes in November this year their new coach, Tjaart van der Walt. Tjaart van der Walt (39) has already trained three Super Rugby players, seven Currie Cup players and four u/20 SA rugby players. He succeeds Mr. Hans Coetzee, who worked on a contract basis in the position for the past three years.
According to Monnas principal, Mr. Johann Calitz, the school is very excited to welcome new blood in their coaching staff. Mr. Van der Walt, currently in Pretoria, is a provincial coach involved in provincial schools structures, serve's on Saru's schools coaching panel and also coached a number of Virseker Beeld champion's teams.
"At Monnas it is our priority to develop and guide emerging rugby stars, who dream to follow a professional sports career so that they have the best chance to achieve their goal. We believe that Mr. Van der Walt can achieve this," said Calitz. He is also passionate about children and as biology and science teacher will also add great academic value to the school.
Regarding Mr Coetzee's departure at Monnas, Calitz maintains that there are no ulterior reasons for the termination of his contract. "We are very grateful for the contribution Mr Coetzee made at the school and it is a shame that our relationship of several decades was damaged, largely because of many false rumours. "
Coetzee referred the termination of his contract to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) but later withdrew his application in order to negotiate a settlement between the parties.
"The matter has since been settled and we are satisfied that the chapter could now be closed by the two parties in the right way. Monnas is looking forward to a new chapter under Mr. Van der Walt's guidance and we believe that the strong foundation that has already been laid, can now be taken to a new level."