Farewell Jimmy Stonehouse

Jan 21 • General News • 3604 Views • Comments Off on Farewell Jimmy Stonehouse

Earlier today, the Mpumalanga Rugby Union and Mpumalanga Rugby (PTY) Ltd hosted a small farewell function to honor the seven years Jimmy Stonehouse committed to the Pumas as head coach.

“Eight years ago I called Jimmy from a small union with a lot of debt, and together we, and later one a big professional team, saw his dream realize, and that is for the Steval Pumas to be recognized as one of the bigger unions. Although he feels that he wasn’t successful by not reaching the Absa Currie Cup Premier League semi-finals last year, he is certainly leaving a legacy at the union to be built upon. Jimmy was instrumental in the move to Nelspruit, and now, with the newly formed corporate company, the professional team is moving into a new era of the sport. This is where symphony and synergy collide. As president of the union I see myself as the conductor of the symphonic orchestra (symbolic for the old and current union), but Jimmy is the first violinist who started the whole orchestra (the success of the team getting together) and the synergy of an orchestra coming together as a team,” President of the Mpumalanga Rugby Union and director of the Mpumalanga Rugby (PTY) Ltd, Mr. Hein Mentz said.

According to Mentz, this day was long expected, but not the first time. Two years ago Stonehouse was approached by an international club, but luckily he refused. “Now we can’t stand in his way to further his career opportunities. We wish him all the best of luck. In the same breath we would like to thank him for his leadership and positive contributions he made towards the union and always putting his team first. For us staying behind, now is the time to pull together, build on what’s left to us and not to “drop the ball,” Mentz concluded.

A clearly heart-broken Stonehouse thanked all the sponsors, friends and Puma-family for their backing over the years and pleaded management to stick with MJ Mentz and Corné Steenkamp as coaches as he feels they are ready, capable and old enough to take the team to the next level.

As token of their wishes, Mentz handed Stonehouse a personalized trophy as gift of remembrance.