Naka Drotske
Although his time as Cheetahs coach ended on an underwhelming note at Newlands, Naka Drotske says he has ‘no regrets’.
There was not 1 Springbok in the Cheetahs side that went down 12 / 42 to the South African conference leaders on Saturday, bringing Drotske’s 9-year spell as coach to an end with Franco Smith set to take over.
While he was disappointed to end with a comprehensive defeat, Drotske said that they had simply been outplayed by a Stormers side he believes have what it takes to go all the way this year.
“Obviously today was a bit of a disappointment, but in saying that the Stormers played like a team that can win the competition and we had a lot of youngsters,” he said.
Looking back on his time in charge of the Cheetahs, Drotske said that he is more than satisfied with what he has achieved in a career he never expected.
“I have got no regrets, I started in 2007 as a coach, I took on the challenge. I never expected to be a coach after being a player and then a manager.
“9 Years later I have had the privilege of winning the Currie Cup as coach of the Cheetahs and also qualifying for Super Rugby play-offs for the 1st time in our history.
“If you had asked me whether I would take that 9 years ago the answer would have been a big yes, I would have settled straight away for that,” he explained.
As a relatively ‘small’ franchise without much financial clout, there are unique challenges in the position which others do not have to deal with.
Drotske said that he was happy with his strategy of contracting a few Springboks, at the expense of wider depth.
“The Cheetahs have their own challenges which other franchises don’t have.
“The challenge for the Cheetahs will always be continuity and keeping players for 4 or 5 years and depth, at the moment when injuries come then it is very difficult.
“It is something for the new coach and the contracting committee to decide. I chose to keep 4 or 5 Springboks and contract fewer players. Then if they can’t play your depth is not where it should be.
“The new coach must decide if he wants to keep 5 or 6 Springboks, or to go for greater depth. For me a big influence was the threat of relegation and if I look back it was the right decision,” he said.
Although he will not be involved in rugby at all anymore, Drotske wished his successor well and added that he will always be available to add his input where required.
“I want to wish Franco Smith well and I will always support the Cheetahs and help where I can.
“At this stage I am going into business, but who knows, it has been part of my life for the last 38 years since I started playing at the age of 6 or 7 so it is always in your blood but at this stage I won’t be involved in rugby anymore,” he added.
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