Coach Tiaan hopes to be a CUT above the rest
BLOEMFONTEIN: Former Springbok, Cheetahs and Stormers hooker Tiaan Liebenberg is looking forward to life as a head coach as he takes charge of the Central University of Technology (CUT) during this year’s Varsity Cup.
While the Varsity Cup has been a stepping stone to senior professional rugby for many of South Africa’s top young talent, including the likes of Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom, Juan de Jongh, Dries Swanepoel, Clayton Blommetjies and more, the tournament has also seen a number of former players showcasing their pedigree as young rugby coaches.
Former Springbok flyhalf Franco Smith and former Springbok Sevens forward Jonathan Mokuena both won the Varsity Cup title during their first season of coaching Shimlas (Free State University) in 2015 and Pukke (North West University) in 2016 respectively.
Now Liebenberg is the latest former player to enter the world of coaching in the Varsity Cup as he leads CUT this season.
He’s had stints as the CUT and Free State Under-19s forward coach, but it will be his first run as head coach. The 35-year-old said it was a natural transition after playing his final match for the Free State Cheetahs during the Currie Cup qualifiers in 2016.
“I wasn’t sure of going into coaching when I first retired. It’s an opportunity presented to me and I’m making the most of it,” Liebenberg said.
“When I was recovering from a serious back injury, I did my rehab with Jan du Toit from CUT. In exchange, I would coach the team’s forwards that year.
“With CUT competing in the Varsity Cup, I was offered the opportunity to become head coach. I see it as a great chance to experience coaching at a high level.
“I believe the Varsity Cup is a very competitive tournament, with high standards. Considering I’m still new to coaching, this will be a great experience for me.”
Liebenberg will continue at his family’s logistics business in Bloemfontein but will dedicate time to his coaching commitments at CUT.
Liebenberg hopes to make a good impact as a coach. CUT play their first fixture against UCT in Cape Town on February 6. “I hope to inspire my players.”