Pote Human (Gallo Images)

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Johannesburg - The Griqualand West Rugby Union announced on Monday it had appointed the experienced former Free State captain and former Blue Bulls coach Pote Human as head coach for the next three years.

Human takes over from Abre Minnie, who has led the men from Kimberley for this year's Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup competitions. Minnie was in the running for the position as head coach, but last week asked not to be considered for the job, citing personal reasons for his decision. Human was Griquas' assistant coach in the recent Currie Cup.

Human has vast experience as coach, heading the Griffons in 1996 and 1997 before coaching Shimlas and later the Blue Bulls. With him as head coach the Blue Bulls shared the Currie Cup in 2006 with the Free State Cheetahs, and he was part of the Bulls coaching staff that was crowned Super 14 champions in 2007.

He also had a two year stint in Japan as assistant coach for Todd Louden's Ricoh Black Rams.

His appointment means that Griquas have a good chance to claim the Vodacom Cup and that their onslaught on the Currie Cup is also far from over.

"Pote will coach Griquas for the next three years, with Abre as assistant coach for the same period," Griquas CEO Arni van Rooyen confirmed at a press conference at GWK Park on Sunday.

"We are happy with both coaches' performances and have therefore decided to try and retain their services. Luckily we were able to do so. Now the focus shifts to preparation and the appointment of a new captain," Van Rooyen added.

Griquas captain Jonathan Mokuena is on his way overseas to play the remainder of his career abroad.

"We have already started training for next season's Vodacom Cup. As far as I know, we are the only union to do so. We are currently focusing on the conditioning of players and will do so until December 15. The players regroup on January 3," Human said.