Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské says they won’t find a replacement for defence coach Michael Horak who will join the Eastern Province Kings later this year.
Sport24
Horak recently signed a five-year deal with the Port Elizabeth-based franchise and will leave Bloemfontein once his commitments at Varsity Cup side, Shimlas, are completed.
He is also Director of Rugby at Shimlas and will stay with them until the completion of the Varsity Cup. They play their last league match on March 17, before the knockout rounds commence, which could see him stay a week or two longer.
During this time he will also help out at the Cheetahs before heading for PE.
Drotské said Horak’s duties will be shared among his coaching staff.
“We decided on a defensive system last year. It worked well and we’ll keep following it. Everyone knows how it works and it’s just about keeping everyone on their toes.”
The coach said Horak didn’t tour with the Cheetahs last year, and communicated via Skype and e-mail to the team in Australasia. This will again be the case since the Cheetahs play only two games at home (Lions and Bulls) before heading abroad.
Meanwhile, Drotské confirmed that he’ll appoint a backline coach later in the year when the Currie Cup commences.
Hawies Fourie will still coach the backs during Super Rugby, but will be Griquas’ head coach during the Currie Cup season.