Musikanth to steer Ikeys’ ship

Kevin Musikanth has been handed the overall coaching reins at the University of Cape Town, which will see him coach the FNB Ikey Tigers in the 2014 Varsity Cup competition and assume the role of Director of Rugby thereafter.

Musikanth will take over the full-time UCT coaching duties from Kevin Foote who is now based in Australia with the Western Force – Foote, in turn, having succeeded John Dobson, who now coaches at Western Province, in 2011.


Musikanth, 35, is one of the most promising locally-bred coaches in the Western Cape – having guided False Bay from Super League 'B' back into the Western Province Super League 'A' a few seasons ago. He left False Bay to pursue other coaching options in 2012, but is presently back at the club – tasked, once again, with getting them back into Super League 'A', something that is now highly likely given Bay’s current log position and the expansion of the Super A league next year.



He has also been involved with the successful Western Province Amateur team in recent seasons, whilst Musikanth was the man who initially spotted Demetri Catrakilis and got him to join False Bay in 2009 before he moved to UCT in 2011 and, ultimately, into the professional ranks.



At present, Musikanth is also employed by Wynberg Boys' High School as Coaching Director, where the First XV, and importantly all age group teams, have produced outstanding results. In 2012 and so far this year, the Wynberg First XV remain unbeaten against their fellow Southern Suburbs rivals in addition to beating Grey PE twice, whilst the school has also produced some impressive Craven Week players of late.



Speaking about Musikanth's appointment, UCT Rugby Club Manager, Gavin Sheldon, said: "We received numerous applicants for what has become a highly sought-after position – to coach the Ikey Tigers. It was a tough process, but we believe we have appointed the right man in Kevin Musikanth.



"Kevin's record at False Bay, Wynberg and with the WP Amateurs speaks for itself – both results-wise and in terms of talent identification – and we're excited to get him on board at UCT.



"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Shimmy (Hanyani Shimange) for his hard work since taking over from Footey (Kevin Foote) who we wish well Down Under! The team has produced excellent results under Shimmy's watch – it's an exciting and healthy time for UCT Rugby."