Currie Cup 2009!

Mike Stenson (RIP) · October 22, 2009, 03:40:28 PM

Hey Mike remember this guy....
Cheetahs coach honoured
2009-10-22 17:32
Naka Drotske (Gallo)

Bloemfontein - Naka Drotske and Ashley Johnson of the Free State Cheetahs on Thursday received the Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month awards respectively at a ceremony held at Vodacom Park.

The Bloemfontein side, coached by Drotske, has been in excellent form in the competition after working their way up from the bottom of the log to book their place in next Saturday'[s Absa Currie Cup final where they will take on the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

"It's a huge privilege to win this award," said Drotske.

"We are obviously focused on a win next week but it is also a huge honour to be awarded for the rugby that we have planned this month. I couldn't have done it without the players and the team. Next week will be tough, we are up against world stars but the pressure will be on the Blue Bulls as the game is in their home stadium. We will give it a full shot and are confident that we can beat them and win the Absa Currie Cup this year!"

The judges needed no explanation to award Drotske in this final month of the competition. The Cheetahs coach demonstrated excellent leadership in encouraging and guiding his team to defeat the Sharks in last Saturday's Currie Cup semi-final.

Ashley Johnson received the majority of votes for his standout performances during this final month of the Absa Currie Cup action. Johnson was consistent in both defence and attack, and all of the Cheetahs’ go-forward ball on the field, were as a result of his input.

"For me personally, it is a great accolade and very rewarding for the rugby that has been played, but it’s also an accolade for the team, especially thanks to the performances of the tight five. They've really contributed to the overall performance of the side," said Johnson.

"It's going to be a huge feat to beat the Blue Bulls as they have many Springboks in their team. It will be a very tough match. But I am confident in our ability, we know what we can do as a team.”

The Cheetahs players have been nominated and awarded more than any other team in this year's Currie Cup awards.

Fellow players WP Nel and Lionel Mapoe were previously acknowledged and rewarded for their outstanding performances during the season, bringing the total to three out of the four players during this year's tournament.

Michael Alexander · October 22, 2009, 05:03:22 PM

Mmmmmh! It's the players... not the coach who are making the difference to this team,, and off course wisdom from ol' OS.....

Michael Alexander · October 22, 2009, 05:13:32 PM

It was a grand night after the semi finals....

Michael Alexander · October 29, 2009, 01:53:02 AM

.. and so the build up to the final on Saturday begins.....

Michael Alexander · October 29, 2009, 11:38:08 AM

Well, it;s not Loftus for me....... Had two chances to go...... the one from Omund fell through, not enough people..... and then my meat supplier phoned yesterday from Keetmans....... but has yet to source tickets, knows this and that guy.,....... got a bit too late for me.... so I am now going to my Boets house to watch the upset of the year on the beeeeg beeeg screen, braai and a dop, sounds like fun.... rules are, you gotta wear blue or Orange.........

Family rugger, ain;t that sweet....

Michael Alexander · October 30, 2009, 02:21:57 PM

Mike Stenson (RIP) · October 31, 2009, 07:52:45 AM

Nervous Kaplan 'can't wait'
2009-10-30 10:24

Bloemfontein – Jonathan Kaplan expects the Blue Bulls and Free State Cheetahs to serve up a Currie Cup final with the passion and intensity of a Test match in Pretoria on Saturday.

“It is definitely an advantage that I have officiated in several previous finals. The experience will be decisive,” said Kaplan.

“I have good memories of the previous two Currie Cup finals in which these teams played when I was the referee. But every game is different and I’m preparing for the unexpected.

“Hopefully I can make a valuable contribution to South African rugby’s domestic showpiece.”

Is he nervous?

“There are always nerves before a big game and you don’t get much bigger than a Currie Cup final. I can’t wait. It’s going to be a very tough encounter.”

Kaplan, who will be officiating in his fifth Currie Cup final, will have André Watson’s record of seven Currie Cup finals in his sights after Saturday’s match.

Dalene Steenkamp (Coetzee) · October 31, 2009, 11:36:48 AM

Not to give you blue guys bad hope, but even my Boet asked for an orange shirt or pants to wear for today - when I told him that he can't wear pants or a shirt just yet he answered: okay, then an orange skirt or kilt will do !!! (Even in his state of confusion and hurt he knows who the right team is to support - Cheetahs, you better win, coz I got to give him good news when he wakes up later !!!)

Bertie Horak · October 31, 2009, 06:08:42 PM

Mike & Dalene, I was really cheering very hard for your team. Didn't want the blue bullies to win!

Now I guess we'll just have to wait for the Super14 again... but of course, this time the Stormers will win....

Michael Alexander · November 01, 2009, 05:32:31 AM

Gonna buy Kaplan a pair of specs...... it was a friggin forward pass.... I was sitting all the way in Oranjemund and even I spotted that.....

Bertie Horak · November 01, 2009, 10:21:28 AM

I'm convinced if the Cheetahs ended the game with 15 men they would have caught up with the Bulls.

Alfred Boehme · November 01, 2009, 01:06:27 PM

Quote from: Michael Alexander on November 01, 2009, 05:32:31 AM
Gonna buy Kaplan a pair of specs...... it was a friggin forward pass.... I was sitting all the way in Oranjemund and even I spotted that.....

mmmmm Hi Mike A can I buy you specs................?