Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

khotham@sowetan.co.za

DICK Muir, the Golden Lions Rugby Union's new director of coaching, has promised to make the team a dominant force in the game.

Muir, who is also the Springbok assistant coach, joined the Doornfontein-based club last month and was tasked with overseeing the team's coaching structures. Success in the Vodacom Super 14 and Absa Currie Cup is also high on his agenda.

This after a below-par performance by the Lions in the southern hemisphere's Super 14 competition and their failure to qualify for the semifinals of the domestic tournament.

In an interview with Sowetan, former Springbok utility player Muir admitted that restoring the Lions' pride will be tough. He said the Super 14 series presents a mammoth task, But he is confident they can overcome the challenges through sheer commitment and determination.

"First, my short-term goal is to change attitudes and mindsets within the team, while my long-term objective is to see the Lions attaining glory both in the Super 14 and Currie Cup," Muir said.

"We have assembled a formidable squad after the acquisition of quality players for the new season. With the enthusiasm shown by the players in the recent training sessions, we can go a long way towards building a winning streak."

The players signed by the Lions include former Griquas captain and No 8 Jonathan Mokuena, Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga, scrumhalf JP Joubert, centre Marius Delport and flyhalf Burton Francis.