Super Rugby
Cheetahs head coach announces retirement
ESPN Staff
May 9, 2015

Cheetahs head coach Naka Drotske has announced his retirement from coaching. Coaching the Cheetahs for eight years, Drotske will step down from his role at the end of the 2015 season with Franco Smith taking over the role from November.

Drotske has been a part of the Cheetahs franchise for close to two decades as a player, coach and administrator,and achieved the unique distinction by winning the Currie Cup as a player, as part of team management and as coach.

Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs, Mr. Harold Verster was full of praise for Naka: "Naka and I walked a long and pleasant road. I have known him since his schooling days where he played top rugby. He is a strong leader and a wise man. I wish him and his family only the best for the road ahead and look forward to his support of the Toyota Cheetahs.

"Naka played an essential role in player contracting. With a limited budget he managed to recruit top players and produced Springboks for the Cheetahs."

Drotske's replacement, Smith, has been a part of the Cheetahs franchise for several years and was part of the Cheetahs coaching and management team who won the Currie Cup in 2005 and 2006.

"We wish Franco Smith the best of luck with his new role and look forward to a new era in Cheetah Rugby with Franco and his coaching team for the next four years," Mr. Verster said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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