The Toyota Cheetahs interim coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead as a new era has begun for the team.

Van der Westhuizen has been bumped up into the head coach role following the resignation of Hawies Fourie in order to return to the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that he is excited about the opportunity and they look forward to what lies ahead.

“Everyone is looking forward to the upcoming games and I think that it is going to be a big challenge going to Clermont,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“That's why these next couple of games in the coming weeks are going to be so important for us as a group. It's about getting realigned and getting everything together so that we can play our best possible rugby and represent Bloemfontein and the Free State to the best of our ability.

Van der Westhuizen added that he has full faith in the coaching staff as well as the team of players at his disposal.

“We've got a group of quality coaches and players. If we can just align everything and get everyone going again, I think we can be in for a good chance. We're definitely looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Van der Westhuizen’s first game in charge will be a warm-up match on 9 March against the Griquas in Jacobsdal.

The Cheetahs first competitive game will be on 23 March at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein when they tackle the Boland Cavaliers in the opening round of the SA Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport