Emotional Return for SaberCats Coach Pote Human

 ‘I missed it’

By Aaron Wilson

It was an emotional night and week for SaberCats veteran coach Pote Human.

Human returned to coach the 10-5 SaberCats on Friday night. He was recently reinstated after serving a Major League Rugby disciplinary suspension following an altercation against the New York City Ironworkers.

“It was very nice to be back on the field next to the guys,” Human said. “I missed it. I’m very happy to be back.”

The SaberCats earned a 31-7 victory over Old Glory DC with Human on the sideline at SaberCats Stadium.

The SaberCats, who have earned their second consecutive berth in the Western Conference, got a boost from Human’s presence.

“It’s great to have coach back,” Gideon van Wyk said. “I think he’s one of the big roles for us. He’s the father figure on the team. If something is going wrong, we can always to go to him for advice. He’s put us on another level.”

“It was very good having him back,” Carlo de Nysschen said. “What happened was very unfortunate. It means the world having him back.”

“It was great to have him here,” SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer said. “It’s great to have the old squad together.”

An experienced coach, Human has built a strong connection with the players.

“It’s amazing the presence he has on the field and what he means to us,” leading scorer Davy Coetzer said. “To see the effect he has on the boys, we’re so grateful to having him back on the field.”

Human is also grieving the death of his mother, who passed away this week. He returns home for her funeral in South Africa and then will be back as the SaberCats prepare for their final regular season match of the season next week against the New England Free Jacks on the road.

“Next week will be a big challenge for us,” Human said. “I know we can do it.”