The highly rated biokineticist has been in the Winelands since 2015 after joining the Stellies Academy for Sport as a strength and conditioning coach and was elevated three years later to lead the performance division.

READ: AmaZulu focused on the players’ mindset ahead of the Chippa game

Rust has a Master’s Degree in exercise science as well as a CAF D License, arming him with a wealth of knowledge to take up the role that lies ahead with his imminent move to the Soweto giants.

It’s understood he may be stepping in for his former colleague Devon O’Brien, who moved across to The Buccaneers at the start of the 2024/25 campaign from Stellenbosch to become Pirates’ performance analyst.

Although there is no official confirmation yet, the public broadcaster has been informed O’Brien could be leaving next month when the FIFA international break kicks in – around the same time Rust is expected to join Bucs too.

Stellies’ staff members have become highly sought after on the back of an unforgettable 2023/24 season in which the club, under coach Steve Barker and his support structure, finished third in the league.

The club also qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup and have already made it into the group stages of the continental competition.

Barker credited his technical team for the work behind the scenes during a remarkable campaign, which also led to them winning the Carling Knockout – the first trophy in the team’s history.

Rust will then work closely with an army of analysts and fitness coaches at Pirates, including Helmi Gueldich, Percy Moloi, Carlos Paz, and Rayaan Jacobs.

AKANI SIMBINE

Akani Simbine excited about the inaugural ASA Awards

Akani Simbine to push for world title in 2023, vows coach Werner Prinsloo

Editors Pick