In an exclusive interview, Jimmy Stonehouse, the seasoned coach of the Pumas, shared his insights and ambitions for the 2024 Currie Cup season. With a fresh squad and renewed determination, Stonehouse’s vision for the Pumas is as bold as ever.
Chasing Glory: Season Goals
When asked about his primary goals for the Pumas in the upcoming season, Jimmy Stonehouse was clear and focused. “Our goal is always to play in a semi-final and a final in the Currie Cup,” he asserted. Despite the challenge of losing a significant number of players over the past two seasons, Stonehouse remains optimistic. “We actually got a new squad. Our backline is completely new, and only three forwards from the previous finals remain. But our aim is still to reach the semi-final and the final.”
Navigating Challenges: Building Team Cohesion
The biggest hurdle for the Pumas this season? Building team cohesion. “Our biggest challenge would be a new group of players,” Stonehouse admitted. Integrating new players into the game plan and fostering a strong team spirit is critical. “We received four or five new players at the end of June. Getting them to gel and gain confidence in each other will be our biggest challenge.”
Training Innovations: Focus on Aggression and Set Pieces
Stonehouse revealed that while their training regimen remains largely consistent, there are specific areas of focus.
“We like to play an attacking brand of rugby, moving the ball around, and we also focus on a kicking game. This year, we’re working on making our team more aggressive and improving our set pieces,” he explained.
Enhancing scrummaging and mauling techniques is also on the agenda to upskill the players.
Spotlight on Key Players: Rising Stars
The Pumas have a reputation for nurturing talent, and Stonehouse highlighted several players to watch. “Eduan Swart, Deon Slabbert, the lock, and Kwanda Dimaza, the number eight, have great potential. Ross Braude, who played for Canada, is another promising player. Let’s see where they can go this season.”
Community Connection: Engaging Fans
Fan support is vital to the Pumas, and Stonehouse emphasized their commitment to engaging with the community. “We do a lot of community stuff, visiting schools, old age homes, and offices. Our supporters’ clothing is available in local stores, and we host events like golf days and business breakfasts to bring sponsors and the community together. We also run competitions during games to encourage school attendance,” he shared.
Learning from the Past: Applying Lessons
Reflecting on past seasons, Stonehouse stressed the importance of maintaining team continuity.
“Our biggest struggle is keeping our group together. We’ve tried to implement it this year but haven’t quite succeeded. Confidence and calmness are key lessons we’ve learned. We focus on keeping our cool and not worrying about the scoreboard, just doing our job better every time.”
Currie Cup Evolution: Preserving Tradition
Discussing the evolution of the Currie Cup, Stonehouse defended its significance. “The Currie Cup is the biggest competition in the world over history. Some say it’s watered down, but if you look at the teams playing, they’re still strong, even if they’re not the top choice. We’d like to keep it a double round and perhaps introduce promotion and relegation to give other teams a chance to play internationally.”
Jiimmy Stonehouse Looking Ahead
As the Pumas prepare for the 2024 Currie Cup season, the blend of new talent and experienced coaching under Jimmy Stonehouse’s leadership promises an exciting journey. With a focus on team cohesion, aggressive play, and community engagement, the Pumas are set to make their mark once again. Fans and supporters can look forward to a thrilling season of rugby as the Pumas strive to reach new heights.