Via a statement sent out by the franchise, they indicated that they are busy dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s ahead of the big announcement.

Serval sources have confirmed to OFM Sport that the former Cheetahs assistant and current Maties coach, Fourie, is the man for the job and an offer has been put on the table.

Franco Smith will still coach the Free State Cheetahs during the upcoming Currie Cup, and hand over the reins as from the 2019/20 Guinness Pro14.

A player who was one of the favourite sons of Bloemfontein during Fourie’s previous tenure at the Cheetahs is the centre, Robert Ebersohn.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who is playing his rugby for Castres in France told OFM Sport that Fourie had a big impact on his career, and he believes that he is the right man for the job.

“Hawies made a very big impact on my rugby career”, said the player who also captained the Cheetahs on occasion.

“The first time I met Hawies was in Stilbaai. I was grade 9 or 10 when my brother (Sias) and I, and some of our school friends played in Stillbaai’s famous beach touch rugby tournament. 

“We had to play this team of ‘oud toppies’ and we thought it would be an easy game against them, but we got schooled. 

“After that, we always saw him at the touchies in December holidays over the next two years, and we made a team with Hawies and ended up playing in the semi-finals the one year.

“When I was 19, I played in the Under 20 World Cup in Wales, we lost in the semi-finals against England. Just after that I started with the Cheetahs and Hawies. That was in 2008.

“He is a very hard worker. He is a gentleman that earns the respect of the staff and players through his dedication to the team and the teams’ missions and goals.

“He is a warm person and a real people’s person. I really enjoyed my time under his guidance, and I was able to compare myself with him as an emotionally driven player.

“I believe that if Hawies gets the job, he will do wonderful things for the Cheetahs, and I wish all the best.”

The former Springbok hooker, Naka Drotské, who was the head coach while Fourie was at the Cheetahs backs his former deputy all the way for the job.

“I really hope Hawies gets the job. He is an excellent coach and a great person.

“He really deserves the job. I worked with him for 9 years and in my opinion, he is definitely the best candidate on the shortlist. Cheetahs rugby will be in good hands with Hawies.”

Fourie has previously also been a Stormers assistant and coached the Boland Cavaliers and Griquas. Under the guidance of Fourie, the Maties won back-to-back Varsity Cup titles.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport