Central Cheetahs sign Gaffie

2005-08-04 21:40

Hendrik Cronje

Bloemfontein - Springboks are lining up to sign a contract with the Central Cheetahs and Gaffie du Toit has been the first to put his signature on the dotted line.

Apart from all the players a number of coaches have indicated that they are interested in a position with the new franchise.

Franco Smith, a former Springbok centre, has sent out feelers about becoming the backline coach of the franchise after Kobus van der Merwe moved to Western Province.

Van der Merwe was the assistant coach of the Central Cheetahs before Western Province approached him to become their head coach.

Smith is currently involved with coaching at Italian club Treviso.

Other names mentioned are those of Helgard Muller of the Cheetahs, Gysie Pienaar of Griquas, Eric Herbert of Griffons, Brendan Venter and Stanley Raubenheimer of Western Province and even that of Chester Williams.

Du Toit is a great acquisition for the Central Cheetahs after having played for the Springboks in the Tri-Nations as recently as last year. He is quick off the mark, but his long kicks down the line are the ones that hurt his opponents.

"One cannot start a Super 14 series with only one flyhalf (Willem de Waal), especially so after Braam van Straaten of Griquas indicated that he was retiring at the end of this year," said Rassie Erasmus, head coach of the Central Cheetahs as well as the Vodacom Cheetahs.

Erasmus is also aware that the Griffons pivot, Andre Hough, is making big strides in the game. Hough could strengthen his chances when he plays for the Griffons against the Cheetahs in a qualifying Currie Cup match on Friday night.

Thinus Delport, a former Springbok fullback, who plays his club rugby in England, attended the Craven Week in Bloemfontein recently and also indicated that he would be interested in joining the new franchise.

Du Toit is recovering from injury and is unlikely to play much for Western Province this season.

- Volksblad