Announcing exciting new rugby and hockey coaching developments at Maritzburg College
Ahead of the 2025 pre-winter sport season, Maritzburg College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Nico Breedt as the new First XV rugby coach, starting immediately. Nico is no stranger to College and has been coaching at the school in the age groups for the past two seasons. His son, Nickus, is currently in 3rd Form. With a World Rugby Level 3 coaching qualification, Nico is also very experienced having coached the Free State Cheetahs U19 forwards, Shimlas Varsity Cup forwards and served as Durban Harlequins Rugby Club 1st XV Head coach, as well as the Sharks Academy technical/positional coach. Nico also coached at Kearsney College for many years before joining Maritzburg College.
Nico has been a very accomplished rugby player in his own right, having represented the SWD Eagles, Free State Cheetahs, Sharks, and Toulon in France to name just a few. We look forward to the exciting developments that Nico will bring to the College rugby community. At the same time, College acknowledges with deep appreciation the committed service of outgoing First XV coach Tim Orchard, and looks forward to having him coaching the age group teams from next season.
There are also exciting developments in the College hockey fraternity as current Director of Hockey, Mark Sanders takes on the role of the First 1st XI Hockey coach going forward. An accomplished hockey coach with 27 years’ experience, including 25 years at provincial school level, Mark spent 12 years coaching the A section of Senior Men’s Provincial Hockey and led the Maropeng Cavemen to two championship titles in the Professional Hockey League (PHL). He has served as a national selector for multiple major tournaments and was the Convenor of Selectors for the South African Men’s Indoor Team. Mark has held the position of Head Coach at Wits University and coached Premier League clubs in Southern Gauteng, including Jeppe, Crusaders, and Old Edwardian’s. His school coaching career includes Head Coach roles at KES, Parktown, St Stithians, and St Benedict’s.
The future of College hockey remains bright and we look forward to what Mark will bring to College First XI hockey going forward. College extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to outgoing First XI coach Kyle Emerson, for his many years of commitment and service to the College First XI. Kyle will continue coaching the age group teams from next season.
