Pumas bolster squad
MJ Mentz has also been reappointed the head coach of team on a two year term and will be assisted by Marius van Rensburg [operations Manager], Luzahn Louw [physiotherapist], Robin Arkell [strength and conditioning], Tobias van Niekerk [conditioning] and Ernst Kruger [assistant performance analyst].
The Pumas' new contracted are: Stephan Greeff [Griquas], Nardus van der Walt [Griquas], Francois Brummer [Griquas], Hugo Kloppers [Griquas], Tyler Fischer [Sharks], Marné Coetzee [Sharks], Chris Cloete [Western Province], Emil Temperman [TUKS], Lambert Groenewald [ Golden Lions], Ruben Johannes [SA Sevens], Dylan Petersen, [UJ] and Deon Helberg [Golden Lions]. Marlo van Niekerk is on loan from the EP Kings.
They also have two players on dual contracts. They are Vincent Koch [Stormers and Pumas] and d Renaldo Bothma [Sharks and Pumas]
"As management we were happy with the performance of Mentz as the head Coach during the 2015 season and although the Pumas was under pressure several times during the 2015 season he still showed he is a team player who believes in the growth of the Pumas brand and who as a young coach shows huge potential," said Mpumalanga Rugby Union CEO Pieter Burger.
"We also believe in promoting and developing our own talent. Currently there are two positions still being recruited for, that of a forward coach and senior performance analyst/defence coach.
The Pumas have also managed to hold onto a core group of players that shone during the 2015 season. They include Khwezi Mona, Sabelo Nhlapo, De-Jay Terblanché, Frank Herne, Simon Westraadt, Francois du Toit, Rudi Mathee, Giant Mtyanda, Jannie Stander, Marnus Scoeman, Brian Shabangu, Reynier van Rooyen, Johan Herbst, Justin van Staden, Wilmaure Louw, Hennie Skorbinski, Bernado Botha, Heinrich Steyl, Hoffmann Maritz, Ruwellyn Isbell and Marcello Sampson.
