Johan Ackermann: Wants his players to remain focussed
Golden Lions caretaker coach Johan Ackermann believes rumours about players leaving the union are disruptive to their Currie Cup campaign.
The Johannesburg-based outfit suffered a shock 42-32 defeat against bottom-placed Griquas last week. Ackermann's preparations for that clash was overshadowed by news that several players will leave the Lions at the end of the season.
It was announced last week that Caylib Oosthuizen (Cheetahs), Paul Willemse (Bulls), Ruan Botha (WP) and Jacobie Adriaanse (Scarlets) will be leaving the Lions and there was also a rumour, which broke an hour before the match against Griquas, that former captain Josh Strauss would leave to join the Crusaders after the Currie Cup.
"I'm worried about it," Ackermann told Beeld newspaper.
"I told the guys you can't play if you're not committed.
"If they can't handle it they have to be very honest with me so that the players who want to play in the Currie Cup can play."
There are also rumours that Elton Jantjies is on his way to Western Province and Ackermann admitted that he is annoyed with the speculation.
"Unfortunately there are rumours going around at present - some of it is true and some not," he revealed.
"A player has family and friends who read it (media rumours) and then call them. So instead of relaxing at home he now suddenly has to answer 100 messages."
The uncertainty regarding the future of the players came when the South African Rugby Union relegated thet Lions from the Super Rugby competition.
They will be replaced by the Southern Kings in 2013.
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