Kennedy Tsimba, has been introduced as the new head coach of the TUT Vikings, the Tshwane University of Technology’s first rugby team.
Kennedy, is a former Cheetahs and Blue Bulls rugby player where he gained fame as an outstanding point scorer. He holds the record for the South African player who scored the quickest 1 000 points in professional competitions, resulting in the media naming him the "King of Bloemfontein." After retiring from the sport, he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in the class 2012.
His performances on the field won him numerous accolades, including Vodacom Player of the Year in 2000, Free State Sportsman of the Year in 2001, Currie Cup Player of the Year in 2003 and 1st Division Currie Cup Player of the Year.
Following a remarkable sporting career, Kennedy moved into a successful coaching career and was appointed assistant coach for the Free State Cheetahs Super Rugby Team in 2011, before accepting the position as coach of Rustenburg Impala first team and Head of Academy as they went on to win two Community “Gold” Cup trophies.
In 2016, he moved into the very competitive South African school’s rugby scene when he joined St Alban's College as Director of Rugby and first team coach. During his tenure, they enjoyed an 89% winning record.
Before his appointment at TUT, Kennedy was the head coach of the Young Guns at Tuks Rugby. Accolades won as a result of his coaching, include Varsity Cup Winner, Carlton Cup U20s Winner and Blue Bulls U20 Coach of the Year.
"It is an enormous privilege to be appointed as head coach of the Vikings. I believe this institute has great potential and is perfectly situated to become one of the leading rugby pathways for young, talented and committed rugby students. I look forward to the experience and process of creating our own unique culture," Kennedy said about this new, exciting challenge he faces.