Hawies Fourie reveals his future plans

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs received some good news as head coach Hawies Fourie signed a new contract with the Bloemfontein franchise.

Fourie joined the Cheetahs from Maties in 2019 and took over the role of head coach from Franco Smith.

Fourie was Cheetahs’ backline coach from 2007 to 2013 and Griquas’ head coach until 2016‚ before leading Maties to back-to-back Varsity Cup titles.

The coach added another impressive accolade to his already impressive CV  when he led the Cheetahs to their seventh Currie Cup title last season, beating the Pumas 25-17 in the Final.

#ICYMI: The @CheetahsRugby got their build-up to their new #European @ChallengeCup_ campaign off to a victorious start #Rugby #RugbyUnion https://t.co/wRbIlAR3Nl

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) August 26, 2023

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Cheetahs’ game against Western Force, the coach Fourie delivered some good news as he revealed his future plans.

“I will remain at the Cheetahs,” Fourie said when asked about his plans.

“My current contract concludes at the end of October and then I will sign an 18-month contract in November.”

The coach’s decision gives the Cheetahs a lot of clarity as they prepare for the European Challenge Cup season.

They launch their campaign with an away fixture against Zebre on December 9 in Italy.

“It was difficult when we resumed training after the Currie Cup because I didn’t know where I stood with the Union,” Fourie admitted.

“We had to plan for the games against the Western Force and the European Challenge Cup and I didn’t know if I was going to be the coach or not.

“However we decided to not be selfish and just planned everything and gave 100 percent to the team

“We planned everything  up to January and now that I got the opportunity to stay, I have the opportunity to execute the plan.”

The Cheetahs will take on the Western Force on Saturday.