Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick says he only knew for sure he had got the job when he saw his name on television along with the rest of Allister Coetzee's support staff on Tuesday.
"I'd heard some rumours like everyone else on social media, but I had to wait for SA Rugby to announce it officially," Stick said.
"I had my chats with Allister but he did not confirm it with me. He told me it was one of his plans that in future, if he was head coach, I might be involved."
When the confirmation came, it was at the Old Grey's club, where the Southern Kings backline coach was sitting and watching Coetzee's press conference with his colleagues.
"The only time it really started to sink in was when it was announced on television.
"I don't normally get nervous, but when I was named I started to shake a bit and I must admit there were a few tears in my eyes."
The former national Sevens team captain, who won the 2009 series with the Blitzboks, said he hoped his appointment as a Springbok assistant coach would inspire young people in Port Elizabeth and its townships to overcome big challenges.
"We all know when it comes to our rugby there has been a lot of (negative) publicity about what has been happening with Eastern Province and the Southern Kings," Stick said.
"Now to see Allister, a son of the soil and originally from Grahamstown, and myself in Bok coaching positions, there is light and people will start talking about positive stuff from the Eastern Cape.
"I am very happy to represent my people in the townships where there are a lot of challenges where we come from in Port Elizabeth and also the townships."
The 31-year-old, whose only claim to fame as a young coach is winning the Under-19 Currie Cup competition with Eastern Province last year, was quick to dispel the notion he was not ready for his new job. "I am up for this challenge and I am a strong man," he said.
"I respect Allister a lot as a mentor and a coach. We have seen what he has done with Western Province.
"This is a guy who has been there as an assistant coach with the Springboks, so I will be working with someone who knows the road."
Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids said it was fantastic news: "This is a great opportunity for Stick. He is a young man who has great potential and knowledge of the game and he makes significant contributions to our team.
"But our loss is South Africa's gain and we wish him luck for this exciting new endeavour and I am confident he will be successful in this role as the years go on."
Southern Kings chief executive Charl Crous said the planning around Stick's new appointment meant that there would not be any impact on the Southern Kings Super Rugby campaign.
How Coetzee took Stick by surprise
Springbok backline coach Mzwandile Stick says he only knew for sure he had got the job when he saw his name on television along with the rest of Allister Coetzee's support staff on Tuesday.
"I'd heard some rumours like everyone else on social media, but I had to wait for SA Rugby to announce it officially," Stick said.
"I had my chats with Allister but he did not confirm it with me. He told me it was one of his plans that in future, if he was head coach, I might be involved."
When the confirmation came, it was at the Old Grey's club, where the Southern Kings backline coach was sitting and watching Coetzee's press conference with his colleagues.
"The only time it really started to sink in was when it was announced on television.
"I don't normally get nervous, but when I was named I started to shake a bit and I must admit there were a few tears in my eyes."
The former national Sevens team captain, who won the 2009 series with the Blitzboks, said he hoped his appointment as a Springbok assistant coach would inspire young people in Port Elizabeth and its townships to overcome big challenges.
"We all know when it comes to our rugby there has been a lot of (negative) publicity about what has been happening with Eastern Province and the Southern Kings," Stick said.
"Now to see Allister, a son of the soil and originally from Grahamstown, and myself in Bok coaching positions, there is light and people will start talking about positive stuff from the Eastern Cape.
"I am very happy to represent my people in the townships where there are a lot of challenges where we come from in Port Elizabeth and also the townships."
The 31-year-old, whose only claim to fame as a young coach is winning the Under-19 Currie Cup competition with Eastern Province last year, was quick to dispel the notion he was not ready for his new job. "I am up for this challenge and I am a strong man," he said.
"I respect Allister a lot as a mentor and a coach. We have seen what he has done with Western Province.
"This is a guy who has been there as an assistant coach with the Springboks, so I will be working with someone who knows the road."
Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids said it was fantastic news: "This is a great opportunity for Stick. He is a young man who has great potential and knowledge of the game and he makes significant contributions to our team.
"But our loss is South Africa's gain and we wish him luck for this exciting new endeavour and I am confident he will be successful in this role as the years go on."
Southern Kings chief executive Charl Crous said the planning around Stick's new appointment meant that there would not be any impact on the Southern Kings Super Rugby campaign.
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