Cape Town - Free State Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster has hit back at those criticising the union for the manner in which it manages its affairs.

The Cheetahs finished the Currie Cup season at the bottom of the log, which leaves them with a dreaded promotion-relegation play-off struggle against the Eastern Province Kings.

Their poor season has left their fans understandably upset, but Verster feels taking a swipe at the union's management is unfair.

"There are a lot of people who say that Free State rugby is poorly managed. I can't understand that. We have a professional entity and meets most standards," he told the Volksblad website.

He said Free State has external auditors, four competent SuperSport-directors, six local rugby administrators and businessmen as well as a business forum who support the union.

"A while back when we had to apply for a Super-franchise we were the second best out of all the local teams based on our business model."

Verster is also not worried about them possibly losing their sponsor. "Toyota's contract is solid and they'll stay on board until at least the end of next year."

He did, however, acknowledge that some introspection needs to be done after a poor season, despite suffering up to 13 key injuries.

"We have to fix what is wrong, no matter how bad it is."

Their first promotion-relegation clash against EP is on Friday in Bloemfontein, with the return game the next week in Port Elizabeth.