Former Springbok scrumhalf Norman Jordaan (46) will take over from Drikus Hancke as Maties head coach in the upcoming Varsity Cup. Hancke has been appointed head of rugby at Stellenbosch University.
Jordaan said he feels quite comfortable in his new position, because he has come through the coaching ranks at Maties Rugby and has more than 12 years of coaching experience.
“Coach Norman has always been part of the coaching staff, so not a lot has changed,” said Maties captain Adriaan van der Bank. “He has an open-door policy so he wants to hear the opinion of the players.”
Jordaan was the defensive coach of the Maties team for five years under former head coach Hawies Fourie. He also assisted with the back line. “Under Drikus I was responsible for the backs and the attack,” Jordaan pointed out. “So I did defence and attack under the two of them.”
He will be joined by another former one-test Springbok, Kabamba Floors, in the position of assistant coach.
“Both of us have the same coaching and playing philosophy. He brings a different dimension to the players, which is quite awesome.”
Jordaan said he is quite excited for the season to follow, but is aware that each team poses a different challenge. In the opening game on 14 February, Maties beat the University of Pretoria side 19-9, taking the bonus point away from Tuks in the process.“[It] was a good win for us,” said Jordaan.
“We are happy with the win, but we are not happy with our performance. So we want to improve game after game.”
Although excited about every player on his team, he said fans should keep a special eye out for Vernon Matongo, Jurie Matthee, and Adriaan van der Bank this season. “I am also looking forward to seeing Sibabalwe Xamlashe. I am excited to see him return.”
Although Jordaan says he and the whole team are excited about getting back to Stellenbosch, they first “have some business to do in Bloemfontein.”
Their next game is against Shimlas at Shimla Park on 21 February.
“We want to focus and get all our attention on there and then we come home, because we are going to be playing at home for quite a while,” Jordaan said. “So we need to get the last away one under the belt first.”
