Pieter Benade Biography | Background, Wife, Children, Education, Clubs Played For, Career as a Coach, Achievements
This is the biography of Pieter Benade, a Zimbabwean rugby coach and former player who currently serves as the head coach of Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby national team.
Background
Pieter Benade hails from a family with a rich sports background. His father played junior representative rugby in South Africa, while his uncles and cousins have represented Zimbabwe in both cricket and rugby. Benade spent his childhood in Zimbabwe, where many of his family members still reside. In 2008, his parents relocated to Zambia after losing their farm.
Wife
Pieter Benade met his wife, Irene, in 2009 at a rugby function. They have two young daughters.
Education
- Prince Edward High School (Zimbabwe)
- Stellenbosch University
Clubs Played For
- Stellenbosch
- Limoges (France)
- Hamiltons
- False Bay
- Western Province (Currie Cup/Vodacom Cup)
- Pumas (Currie Cup/Vodacom Cup)
Position Played
- Flyhalf
Also read: Shumaira Mheuka Biography | Background, Age, Club Career, International Career
Rugby Highlights as a Player
One of Pieter Benade’s notable achievements was defeating Paarl Boys High with Prince Edward in 2000, showcasing their competitive level against top South African schools. He earned his first Stellenbosch 1st team cap in 2002 and was part of two national club championships. A standout memory from his career was his first Currie Cup cap in 2004 against the Eagles. Despite missing an easy penalty and a dropped goal in the final five minutes, Benade scored a solo try in the last movement of the game, securing the win. Playing alongside many current Springboks during that period was particularly special for him.
Career as Coach
After retiring from playing, Pieter Benade transitioned to coaching in Cape Town. He coached at Rondebosch Boys High School and the False Bay Club, as well as local club giants Old Hararians. During his tenure as coach of the 2nds at False Bay, the team won the Super A League Trophy. In 2013, after being relegated to Super B, the team quickly regained their position, thanks to the commitment of players and coaches.
In April 2024, Pieter Benade was appointed head coach of Zimbabwe’s senior men’s rugby national team, succeeding former national team player and captain Brendan Dawson. Prior to this appointment, Benade served on the Zimbabwe coaching panel for two years as a back-line coach and assistant to Dawson.
Achievements
Rugby Africa Cup 2024
On July 28, 2024, the Zimbabwe senior men’s rugby national team, under Benade’s leadership, were crowned African champions after beating Algeria 29-3 in the Rugby Africa Cup final in Uganda.
