Blow for Griquas ahead of 2019 season
THE TAFEL Lager Griqua coaching structure was rattled when their recently appointed forwards coach, CJ van der Linde (pictured) announced that he would be leaving Tafel Lager Park to take up a coaching position in Japan.
Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen told the DFA that the Union was sad to see the experienced coach leave before he could make any real impact at Griquas. “It is with regret that the Griquas rugby union announces that we will be parting ways with our recently appointed forwards coach, CJ van der Linde, in March 2019,” Van Rooyen said.
“CJ has just returned from a consultancy period in Japan and has very recently been offered an overseas opportunity which is one that is felt he just cannot decline,” he added.
Van Rooyen said that before he leaves, Van der Linde will assist head coach, Brent Janse van Rensburg, in the coming months before he departs the union officially, to ensure that the team can prepare for the season with as little disruption as possible and to afford some time for the appointment of another assistant coach in due course.
In a statement CJ van der Linde said, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity Griquas gave me and the faith that Brent has in my ability. It saddens me that I have had to resign before I got a chance to start working with the group of players but, although it was an extremely difficult decision to make, was one made with the future of my family being the deciding factor.
“I want to thank everyone at Griquas, and especially Brent, for understanding my decision and respecting me as a person with the way they have dealt with this. I am a firm believer in Brent as a coach, what he has to offer, his structures and systems work; and he has an ability to create a team culture that moulds successful teams.
“I hope only for the best in the coming seasons for Griquas and believe that if they follow the vision that Brent has for them, they will be successful without doubt.”
The Griquas head coach said that although it is disappointing to lose van der Linde, they will focus on the solutions needed to move forward as effectively as possible.
“These things happen unfortunately, we will look ahead and invest our energy into the way forward. No person has the right to decide for another what is best for him and impact their future, thus it wouldn’t be right for us to stand in his way.
“CJ feels this is best for him and his family, which we respect, he has our blessing and best wishes for him, when he departs. I am very thankful that he will be giving us two to three months to assist our preparations before his departure,” said Janse van Rensburg.
The head coach further added that they will not be rushing into appointing anyone in van der Linde’s place.
“Decisions will be made with the long term in mind. The success and sustainability of our programme will be the focus. Shortterm reactive decision-making just leads to problems inevitably. Getting the right people in our environment is imperative for us to bring in the required skill set and personality to serve our programme appropriately,” said Janse van Rensburg.