Coetzee is not done with SA
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Although he is leaving for Japan, Allister Coetzee says that it does not mean he is done with coaching in South Africa.
He leaves the Stormers having claimed three South African Super Rugby conference titles and two Currie Cups, but he does not see this move as the end of his coaching career in South Africa.
"Going to Japan doesn't mean the end of me in South Africa, definitely not. I have got this job first and foremost and then I will see, but it doesn't mean I won't be coming back," he said.
Having served as a Springbok assistant coach to Jake White and then taking charge at the Stormers, Coetzee is seen by some as a potential future Springbok coach given his experience and pedigree.
He made it clear that he has no axe to grind with anyone in South Africa and would happily return if the right opportunity presents itself.
"Over the years I have had great opportunities, I can't complain. I have had an unbelievable coaching career which is far from over here.
"I have always been treated well, I don't feel at any stage that I have been done-in. I am really happy with my coaching career up until now," he said.
Coetzee's time at Newlands saw consistent results and a 63% win ratio, but he came in for criticism for a defensive style of play and winning just one Super Rugby knock-out game out of four in six seasons.
He understands that expectations in the Cape will always be high, but has no regrets after eight years at the helm and believes that he learned a lot from the experience.
"Despite all the criticism, which to me is reality, that is life. You will never make everybody happy, I understand that.
"I have learnt a lot, I have developed as a person and Cape Town has been good to my family, it has been a fantastic eight years," he said.
Coetzee said that he is not too concerned with the opinions of the public or the media and explained that earning the respect of the players was the most meaningful thing to him.
"You are not defined as a coach by losing the quarterfinal, but what management had to say and the players especially, was humbling.
"Schalk [Burger] spoke about the 11 years that we have been together, a player like Eben Etzebeth handing me his Springbok No.4 jersey to say thank you, and then you know that at the end of the day that is what defines a coach.
"Over the past eight years I have never once lost a changeroom, that is massive for any coach. Whether you have been right down at the lowest of lows, players have still played for you and your fellow coaches.
"Success is normally defined by the trophies you win, and there are a couple of those in the cabinet, but for me that relationship with the players is permanent, 10 years time down the line we will still be mates and that to me is the most important thing," he added.
Whatever your opinion of Coetzee, there is no arguing with the fact that he is one of the most experienced coaches around who achieved consistent results over an extended period, it would surely be a shame if he was lost to South African rugby completely.
By Michael de Vries
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