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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
FORMER Young Sables coach, Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda, has been appointed the new Sables assistant coach.

He will assist Cyprian “Supa” Mandenge ahead of Zimbabwe’s Rugby Africa Cup clash against Kenya in two weeks time.

The duo worked together for over five years at Harare Sports Club where they alternated in taking charge of the First XV before Mandenge moved to Old Hararians two seasons ago.

Sibanda then was relieved of his duties as the Harare Sports Club coach at the beginning of this year when new Cheetahs coach Daniel Hondo was appointed to take charge of the Red Lions for the 2015 domestic season.

Sibanda, a holder of World Rugby Level II coaching certificate, was recently accredited as a coach educator following a course that was conducted by World Rugby training manager Jock Peggie.

Other caches that were accredited as educators include Ruben Kumpasa, the Young Sables trio of manager Shaun De Souza, coach Brendon Brider and his assistant Bob Mahari.

“It’s a welcome challenge for me and it’s something I am looking forward to. I say it’s a challenge because it is never easy coaching and people (supporters and employers) are always looking for results.

“There is a lot of pressure being a coach, but it all goes down to how we manage it as leaders.

As for me I have grown to get used to pressure because it’s about not letting pressure getting you,” said Sibanda.

He has been involved with coaching junior national teams as he was in charge of the Under-20 side over the last two years and, prior to the introduction of the Junior World Rugby Trophy, he took charge of the Under-23 side.

Sibanda won 10 straight Sevens Summer Series titles with Harare Sports Club, the same club that he also won three league titles with.