Jóhann Thormählen
Bloemfontein – Former Springbok and Free State lock Barend Pieterse is set to make a comeback after more than a year out of the game.
Pieterse, 30, who called an end to his career at the end of 2008, is planning an official comeback in the Currie Cup. However, if everything goes well, he may well be involved in the latter stages of the Super14.
Pieterse says that he has never stopped training and has been involved in the game since his retirement.
He trained with the Cheetahs on Wednesday, and worked as the their lineout coach last year.
“I believe I still have rugby left in me,” said Pieterse.
The 1.96m lock does not want to put himself under unnecessary pressure and is therefore only eyeing the Currie Cup. He will give his all and take things as they come.
“If it works, it works. If not, I won’t be down and out,” he said.
Pieterse played for the Free State from 2004 until 2008, and was involved in the teams that won the Currie Cup.
He did not represent South Africa in a Test, but was in the 2007 tour squad to Europe and wore the Green and Gold against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
That is why Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské will be delighted with Pieterse’s decision. He does not only provide more depth at lock, but his experience may be invaluable.
“It will be nice to be able to replicate the success of last year’s team,” said Pieterse.
Bloemfontein – Former Springbok and Free State lock Barend Pieterse is set to make a comeback after more than a year out of the game.
Pieterse, 30, who called an end to his career at the end of 2008, is planning an official comeback in the Currie Cup. However, if everything goes well, he may well be involved in the latter stages of the Super14.
Pieterse says that he has never stopped training and has been involved in the game since his retirement.
He trained with the Cheetahs on Wednesday, and worked as the their lineout coach last year.
“I believe I still have rugby left in me,” said Pieterse.
The 1.96m lock does not want to put himself under unnecessary pressure and is therefore only eyeing the Currie Cup. He will give his all and take things as they come.
“If it works, it works. If not, I won’t be down and out,” he said.
Pieterse played for the Free State from 2004 until 2008, and was involved in the teams that won the Currie Cup.
He did not represent South Africa in a Test, but was in the 2007 tour squad to Europe and wore the Green and Gold against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
That is why Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské will be delighted with Pieterse’s decision. He does not only provide more depth at lock, but his experience may be invaluable.
“It will be nice to be able to replicate the success of last year’s team,” said Pieterse.