Geldenhuys, who has been coaching at the school for some time and is also a teacher, has pipped more than 70 other candidates for the position, which is considered one of the most prestigious in the country.

Geldenhuys was considered the frontrunner for the position at an early stage in the process, but the school made sure that they did their homework thoroughly and appointed a panel and consultants to handle the process.

The panel included former Springboks Naka Drotské and Helgard Muller, principal Deon Scheepers, Ludwig Koekemoer (Head of Sport), Wessel du Plessis (former 1st XV coach), Bobby Joubert (Head of Rugby), Jako Liebenberg (Governing Body), and Maryke Nolte (Human Resources). The current Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, was also approached to serve as a consultant. The other consultants were the former Springbok Sevens captain, Phillip Snyman, as well as Gerrie Swart (Rugby agent) and André Swanepoel. The latter four are all also Grey Old Boys.

Geldenhuys' opponents for the position included the former Free State captain, Pote Human, who also coached for the Griquas and the Bulls, among others. Former Springbok Sevens player Jonathan Mokuena, who coached the Leopards and the North-West University Pukke, and the former Blitsbok speedster, MJ Mentz, who also previously played for and coached the Pumas in the Currie Cup.

Geldenhuys told OFM Sport in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that his appointment is a great honor and since Tuesday evening many emotions have prevailed.

“These are incredibly big shoes to fill and it is a great honour. As of last night, there were also a lot of emotions that came into play. This is an incredible challenge, which also makes one excited. It is also an incredible opportunity to work with the boys and it opens even more doors for me to reach out to them.”

Geldenhuys who has been the U16 coach at the school since 2013, is of the opinion that the foundation is already in place and it is certainly not a matter of rebuilding, but rather one of building on what is already in place.

“The best part of this job is the incredible support team and the systems that have already been put in place by Wessel and Bobby, who have worked hard on this. A guy is very happy to be able to work with them now and to have a lot of insight into the systems. Now one can contribute and build further on what has already been put in place. ”

As a player, Geldenhuys was part of the 2007 Grey College 1st XV and Free State Craven Week team, which is still considered one of the best teams of all time. The team included players such as Robert and Sias Ebersohn, Lappies Labuschagné (Japan captain), Coenie Oosthuizen (Springbok), Boom Prinsloo, Frankie Herne, and George Whitehead.

Currently, Geldenhuys, who was a prefect in Brill House in his matric year, is also the housemaster of Murray House.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport