Gerdie Karstens

Johannesburg -  Things are not looking rosy for the new Golden Lions coach Hans Coetzee as he prepares for the Currie Cup.

The depletion of the Lions squad is Coetzee's biggest headache. Several Lion players are battling injuries and others are looking for employment at overseas clubs.

Coetzee has recently learned that he will have to do without two key players, André Pretorius and Lawrence Sephaka, when his men begin their Currie Cup campaign.

"It is a huge setback. André will probably not run out for the Lions again due to a hamstring injury,” said Coetzee.

"Lawrence will soon undergo a shoulder operation, which will keep him out of action until the end of the Currie Cup season."

The injury list also includes Louis Ludik (fullback), Shandré Frolick (wing), Gerhard Mostert (lock) and Jannie Boshoff (centre).

Meanwhile, Willie Wepener (hooker), Ernst Joubert (loose forward) and Ethienne Reynecke (hooker) have been looking for opportunities overseas after the Lions' disastrous game against the British and Irish Lions. And, Anton van Zyl (lock) has relocated to Cape Town to play for Western Province.

With Pretorius having signed for the Western Force for next year's Super14, the Lions have recruited Herkie Kruger to try to fill the gap at flyhalf.

"We trust that Herkie will be the player who solves our flyhalf problems," said Coetzee. The Rose brothers, Earl and Jody, are also there should Kruger run into difficulties with the number 10 jersey.

There is also a chance that scrumhalf Jano Vermaak could be called up to the Springbok squad.

"Jano is definitely a very good player and very well conditioned. We keep our fingers crossed that he will soon join the Springbok team," Coetzee said.