Naka Drotske extends his stay as head coach of Cheetahs for next three years – Super Rugby news
South African Rugby Union side Free State Cheetahs have extended their head coach, Naka Drotske, contract for the next three years. The decision was announced at the end of the South African Super Rugby franchise Cheetahs’ board meeting on Friday, June 10.
Drotske is a former Springboks hooker and he was part of the team which lifted the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. The forty-year-old Drotske started his Super Rugby career by coaching the Cheetahs and Free States Cheetahs, which are Super Rugby and
Currie Cup teams respectively, in November 2007. Drotske was a well-respected player and also earned accolades for both his coaching and playing skills. Senekal born Drotske has previously played for both Cheetahs and Free State Cheetahs in Super Rugby and
Currie cup tournaments.
He made his international debut against the Argentina in November 1993. Drotske made 26 international appearances for the Springboks in his international career. He scored 15 points and represented the Springboks in two consecutive Rugby World Cups. He
was also part of the team that failed to defend the title in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Drotske’s current contract expires at the end of the 2011 Super Rugby competitions and the board has confirmed his contract for the next three years. However, they are still in the process of negotiating the contract details for his role as head coach, for
the Free States in the Currie Cup.
Super Rugby franchise Cheetahs Company Managing Director Harold Verster has confirmed the signing of Drotske for next three years and said, “Naka has been appointed Cheetahs coach in the Super Rugby tournament for the next three years”.
The move will also help retain key players at the club despite the clubs poor performance in the initial 10 weeks of the Super Rugby. Cheetahs have won just five of the 15 games they have played in the season. They are currently placed in 11th
position in the combined tables with 39 points.
Cheetahs had a real poor start to the season but they have comeback strongly as they have handed over stunning defeats to Brumbies (47 – 36) , Lions (53 – 19), Crusaders(30 – 23), and Melbourne Rebels (41 – 21) since their round 10 bye.
Verster also confirmed that Drotske had accepted the contract. Commenting on Drotske’s appointment as head coach for the Currie Cup team, he said, “As far as the Currie Cup position is concerned, we had positive negotiations with him and everything still
has to be finalised.”
Cheetahs will play their last match of the season against the Stormers at Bloemfontein on Saturday, June 18.
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