Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has tackled media houses inaccurately reporting that he is not qualified to take charge of the Kings.
De Villiers simply can’t get a break from his detractors.
Not too long ago, South African prop Beast Mtawarira created a big stir when he wrote in his book, which was since recalled, that De Villiers’s “methods and approach didn’t really work with the Springboks.”
De Villiers, who recently coached the Zimbabwe national team was then interviewed for the position of head coach at the Kings - left vacant by Deon Davids.
HIGH PROFILE: Divvy in his Bok coaching days. Picture: MIKE HUTCHINGS/REUTERS
But over the weekend, Rapport indicated that he missed out on the opportunity of landing the job because he apparently didn’t have a Level 3 coaching certificate.
Radio 702 also said this was the case, with De Villiers responding via his Facebook page: “It is with great concern that it has been stated on talk radio 702 on the sports show, that I do not have a Level 3 coaching certificate.
“This is unfortunate and deliberately designed by various media channels to continue to malign me and prevent me from succeeding in my current interview process with The Kings.
“Attached is confirmation of my certificate which was verified before I coached the Springboks.
“As a matter of fact, I attained my International Level 3 coaching certificate in 1997 in Wales, kind regards Coach Peter De Villiers.”
QUALIFIED: Divvy's papers
De Villiers also attached a letter from South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins which states: “His [De Villiers’] qualifications were scrutinised and confirmed [when he was appointed as Springbok coach in 2008].
“He has a level three coaching qualification done by the Welsh rugby union.
CONFIRMED: Ex-boss Hoskins. Picture: RYAN WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX
“I also spoke to the Welsh coaching director personally at the time who confirmed to me that Peter did the course in Wales. I have no doubt about his qualification if this is in dispute.”
De Villiers is up against Samoa coach Steve Jackson for the Kings job.