Stofile tells De Villiers to get a spokesperson
SOUTH Africa's sports minister urged outspoken Springbok coach Peter de Villiers to get a spokesperson after another bout of controversial comments infuriated officials, media reported yesterday.
"Goodness man! Get yourself a spokesperson!" Afrikaans daily Die Burger quoted Makhenkesi Stofile as advising the embattled coach.
"Even I don't always understand what he says," he said.
De Villiers sparked outrage last week for saying the Springboks extended "100percent" support to Jacobus "Bees" Roux, a Blue Bulls prop forward accused of beating a Pretoria policeman to death.
"It's disgraceful to say that you support someone 100percent when he possibly took another person's life in such a brutal manner," Stofile said.
The minister said he had advised the embattled coach, who led a disastrous Tri-Nations campaign to end bottom of the table, to get a media spokesperson at his appointment in 2008 to coach the two-time world champions.
"I repeat that request today. With the kind of questions the media asks, I said that he would be sorry about something he said one day. You need special skills when talking to the media. And Peter is a man who loves to talk," he said.
"Today we are embarrassed and angry about what he said," Stofile said. "Peter, please don't expose yourself to the media like that."
Saru president Oregan Hoskins has said the Boks' Tri-Nations woeful performance will be reviewed this month and that formal discussions will be held with the coach over his comments.
De Villiers is no stranger to controversy.
A SANZAR misconduct charge was dropped last month over his suggestion that his team were the victims of a conspiracy to help the All Blacks.
The coach was also forced to apologise during last year's Lions tour after appearing to condone rough play by responding to an eye-gouging ban by saying tutus could be bought at the nearest ballet shop.
Stofile suggested that De Villiers should perhaps stick to his mother tongue, Afrikaans, if he is not comfortable with English.
Tuza
This idiot does not think before he talks. he surely does have verbal diarrhea.Report Abuse
Snyabi
He should do more of the "Talking"to his players on the field,reason they are beaten nowadays,he has turned to be a Media moron not a Springbok coachReport Abuse
Snyabi
He should do more of the "Talking"to his players on the field,reason they are beaten nowadays,he has turned to be a Media moron not a Springbok coachReport Abuse
Torso
This guy must learn to STFU. He thinks he's the best thing since toilet paper. SMH at this idiot.Report Abuse
DRU
I never come across a stupid coach like this in my entire life.That kaap stad coloured tendecy is getting worse by the day.THIS TOOTHLESS MAN IS RUDE.Report Abuse
edna
Every time he opens his mouth he talks rubbish. He really needs it. He can’t always say no the media misinterpreted nyweeh nyweeeh nyweeeh....... He must learn to shut up coz everything that comes from his mouth stinks.Report Abuse
Gambler
After watching him on SABC2 and ETV this morning,I concur with the minister.Report Abuse
phoza
I really miss Jake White. Our team is loosing big time. I think they are loosing on purpose so that the coach can be fired.Report Abuse