'Father' Smith stays loyal to Cheetahs
Wed, 07 May 2008 17:00
Springbok World Cup hero and Cheetahs captain Juan Smith signed a new record contract with the Free State Rugby Union on Wednesday.
Smith's renewed allegiance to his beloved Cheetahs represents a major coup for coach Naka Drotské, according to OFM Sport.
Drotské has quite possibly succeeded in preventing a further exodus of top players by retaining star player Smith, especially after big names like Marius Joubert (centre), Michael Claassens (scrumhalf), Ryno van der Merwe (eighthman), Ollie le Roux (prop), Bian Vermaak (versatile forward), Jannie du Plessis (prop), Phillip Burger (wing) and Corniel van Zyl (lock) all departed for money-spinning European contacts.
Smith has been a target of various other unions in South Africa. The Sharks were at the top of that list, having reportedly offered Smith a massive salary.
It is also rumoured that Western Province tried to court the player. Even overseas clubs were joining the queue for Smith's services.
Skipper Smith is currently viewed as the father figure in the Cheetahs camp. Many of the younger players hold him in high regard, and his decision to stay at the Cheetahs will undoubtedly influence their careers.
The fact that Smith has re-signed for the franchise could very well mean that many other Cheetahs players will follow suit, and renew their contracts in the coming weeks.
