The Griqualand West Rugby Union have announced that they have appointed the experienced former Free State captain and former Blue Bulls coach Pote Human as head coach for the next three years.
Human takes over from Abre Minnie, who has led the men from Kimberley for this year’s Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup competitions. Minnie was in the running for the position as head coach, but last week asked not to be considered for the job, citing personal reasons for his decision.
Human has vast experience as coach, heading the Griffons in 1996 and 1997 before coaching Shimlas and later the Blue Bulls.
With him as head coach the Blue Bulls shared the Currie Cup in 2006 with the Free State Cheetahs, and he was part of the Bulls coaching staff that was crowned Super 14 champions in 2007.
He also had a two year stint in Japan as assistant coach for Todd Louden’s Ricoh Black Rams.
His appointment means that Griquas have a good chance to claim the Vodacom Cup and that their onslaught on the Currie Cup is also far from over.
“Pote will coach Griquas for the next three years, with Abre as assistant coach for the same period,” Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen confirmed at a press conference at GWK Park on Sunday.
“We are happy with both coaches’ performances and have therefore decided to try and retain their services. Luckily we were able to do so. Now the focus shifts to preparation and the appointment of a new captain,” Van Rooyen added.
Griquas captain Jonathan Mokuena is on his way overseas to play the remainder of his career abroad.
“We have already started training for next season’s Vodacom Cup. As far as I know, we are the only union to do so. We are currently focusing on the conditioning of players and will do so until December 15. The players regroup on January 3,” Human said.
An excellent choice.
But Griquas have bled talent for next year, so it will be interesting to see how they do with the resources at their disposal
1 @ Loosehead:
2 @ Lion4ever:
I don’t think Pote is a Rocket Scientist… but he was a hard player in his day… and should make Kwas forwards formidable.
I remember Pote as being slightly on the “dirty side” as a player.
@ grootblousmile:
he was just tough…not especially dirty. Looks like he hasn’t reduced his meat intake since stopping training though….lyk lekker dik.
3@ grootblousmile:
Hard, yes. Dirty, no!
I also don’t think that he is / was the brightest spark, but he will be an excellent coach. He has already done well with the Bulls [with the guidance of HM] and now has the experience of working with Eddie Van Der Jones. Even though EJ didn’t do well with the Brumbies, he had a huge influence of the 2007 Boks and made the Brumbies into an awesome team.
I like it when retired players come back as coaches, or even as refs.
@Loosehead,
Its great when old players put give back to the game. But can you imagine Pote or Os being a ref? Bob Skinstad or Rassie would make great refs, as they have the speed to keep up with the game.
I just think the Pote won’t have the same quality that Abrie Minnie worked with this season. Agree that he will make the ‘Kwas forwards even tougher than what they already are. But I just don’t see them fnishing higher than 6 next year, which is a pity as they will be the small fish in a big pond.
al wat ek vir griekwas kan se is maak reg vir sit upps BAIE van hulle en strikdassies hol, en tackel sakke duik oor die breedte van die veld,en dissipliene dissipliene dissepliene
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