I used to look forward to every Bok coach press conference, eagerly anticipating each magnificent metaphor that leapt forth from that equally magnificent ‘tache.
But lately Peter de Villiers has rivalled even the great Julius in putting his foot in it. His pearls of wisdom have become serious bones of contention, and indeed his mutterings have overshadowed his side’s fantastic series triumph which was achieved with little more than a few shuttle runs in terms of preparation.
PdV’s constant controversies remind me of the Special One in many ways. And that was before PdV came up with his “God-given talent” self-proclaim.
Both Mourinho and PdV are in charge of dominant sporting outfits that are at the top of their competitive heap — not that there is much in way of competition in Serie A …
Yet instead of being content to lie in the shadows while their teams do the talking on the field, both PdV and Jose throw themselves into the limelight by saying the craziest — and sometimes ludicrous — things to the media.
Like I said, there was a time when I looked forward to PdV’s contribution. Despite the fact that it took a few days to get the full meaning of his colourful prose, one couldn’t help but rejoice in having a national coach who spoke his mind.
Sadly, it seems, PdV has become something approaching that one uncle at family gatherings who says things he really ought not to.
Even the most one-eyed Bok follower can tell you that Schalk’s moment of madness has no place in the WWE, never mind the hallowed ground that is a Lions series.
But PdV saw things differently, thus wiping away whatever gloss there was on a truly stunning comeback by the world champions. And that is where the similarity to Mourinho bluntly ends. Because where Mourinho was subtle and suave, our PdV is muddled and misguided.
In my very humble opinion, he is fast becoming a liability that is tarnishing the Boks’ admittedly fraught reputation.
He was right in saying that the Boks are helluva strong if he is the weakest link, but it should not be that way. His is truly the easiest job in the world of rugby.
He is blessed with world-class players and a fair sprinkling of the next generation of stars. He has vast experience splashed across the park, yet he is seriously compromising the Boks’ world standing.
The Brits, highly adept at finding a scapegoat, have happily found an alleyway to channel most of their frustrations after this series loss. Even if they get thumped in the final test, the spotlight will be on South Africa’s coach who does not seem to recognise right from wrong. A man who seems unfazed by the bad publicity he keeps attracting.
Perhaps PdV would do well to remember how the Special One exited Stamford Bridge. Despite the trophies, the adulation and the flashy suits, his bosses simply grew sick and tired of the siege mentality that he developed around the club.
Chelsea became public enemy numero uno under Mourinho, and that is what the Boks are in danger of being labelled as. Classless champions led by an out-of-control maniac.
Popularity is not always a by-product of success. Indeed, envy more closely follows those who are dominant in any industry. The Boks can dominate world rugby. But it will be a lot harder to win the world’s respect if the man in charge cannot start thinking before speaking.
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