Former Springbok scrumhalf Norman Jordaan (46) will take over from Drikus Hancke as Maties head coach in the Varsity Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hancke has been appointed head of rugby at Stellenbosch University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCoach Norman has always been part of the coaching staff, so not a lot has changed,\u201d said Maties captain Adriaan van der Bank. \u201cHe has an open-door policy so he wants to hear the opinion of the players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnder Drikus I was responsible for the backs and the attack,\u201d Jordaan pointed out. \u201cSo I did defence and attack under the two of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He will be joined by another former one-test Springbok, Kabamba Floors, in the position of assistant coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth of us have the same coaching and playing philosophy. He brings a different dimension to the players, which is quite awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jordaan said he is quite excited for the season to follow, but is aware that each team poses a different challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c[It] was a good win for us,\u201d said Jordaan. \u201cWe are happy with the win, but we are not happy with our performance. So we want to improve game after game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am also looking forward to seeing Sibabalwe Xamlashe. I am excited to see him return.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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