Jake wants Naas as Bok mentor

2006-06-18 21:30

Hendrik Cronjé

Cape Town - Springbok coach Jake White denied on Sunday that Naas Botha would become the new manager of the Springbok team.

Informed sources claimed on Sunday that Botha would take over as manager from Arthob Petersen who has vacated the position.

White said he had approached Botha for assistance with the Springboks and he would act as the players' mentor in the Tri-Nations series against Australia and New Zealand.

Discussions will be held on Thursday and, if successful, a contract will be signed. Botha will also be asked to accompany the team on their away games during the Tri-Nations.

The appointment will be for the Tri-Nations only because Botha is still contracted to SuperSport, who could make him available only as a favour to Springbok coach Jake White.

The South African team had to do without a manager for the match against a World XV and the two Tests against Scotland after Arthob Petersen left.

Enjoys wide respect

There have been rumours that White and his colleagues approached former Springbok captain Morné du Plessis, but his business interests made it impossible for him to accept the job.

Botha enjoys the respect of the SA players, Springbok supporters and the news media, and his appointment is likely to be widely welcomed.

White and Botha shared success when they coached and managed the SA Under-21 team that won the world championship at that level.

Botha can also help coach the team's kickers as he did after being invited to help at the Springboks' training camp in Bloemfontein last year.

Good kicking will be as important as the first phases at the World Cup tournament in France next year and Botha's presence will be a huge bonus for South Africa.

- Volksblad