Brent Janse van Rensburg, head coach of the Tafel Lager Griquas, will be leaving Griquas at the end of the season.
Jannie Louw, president of Griqualand West Rugby, said they want to be transparent about van Rensburg leaving.
“Where Brent will be going will only be made public once the season has come to an end. Brent is still processing the options available to him. The team will be focused on trying to finish our season strongly and business will go ahead as usual.”
Louw said van Rensburg has been an integral part of the success story of the Tafel Lager Griquas during 2019. “Although we are sad to be losing his services, a fantastic foundation has been laid by him and the management team for the continuation of the success achieved this year to spill over into 2020 and beyond. We have a large of continuity in our playing group and management team going into 2020 and strong systems are in place that will stand the Tafel Lager Griquas in good stead. We want to assure all the Tafel Lager supporters that we are busy with succession planning, for which Brent will play an integral part to ensure that the programme moves forward successfully and unhindered. Brent will still remain involved for some time to ensure a seamless transition is achieved into the 2020 season.”
Louw said they are confident that this news will not detract the team from giving their best in the semi-final this weekend. The playing group and management team, as with all other matches played, are determined to give their best and to represent the team with pride.
“We want to thank Brent for his valuable contribution this year and wish him the very best for his future endeavours and we will track his progress with interest.”
Van Rensburg said it was very difficult for him to share this news with the players and the management team at this stage of the season. “We have built something very special and have a group that is great to work with. It is better that we don’t delay the inevitable, thus I felt it best to practice to be open about this and that the players heard this news from me, rather than other parties sharing said news.”
He said he is incredibly thankful for the Tafel Lager Griquas for all the support given to him and for believing he could do his job. “I have been supported wholeheartedly and empowered to do my job. I must thank our CEO, Arni van Rooyen and president Jannie Louw, for their leadership style, which has aided success. This year has been an amazing experience for me. The team and people of Kimberley have grown very close to my heart. We have made good friends and I will keep following the progress of this union in the years to come. Griquas has a strong history of contributing to the strength of South African rugby and our intention as a group was to build on this great legacy and my hope is that after the 2019 season, all parties are reminded of the important role Griquas has to play in South African rugby in the years to come.”
