Super Rugby: No time for Ackermann to think about goodbyes … yet

Despite most people believing the Lions’ Super Rugby campaign will only end after August 4’s final, the reality is that Johan Ackermann’s goodbye could come as early as Saturday’s quarterfinal against the Sharks at Ellis Park.

That’s the nature of the knockout beast.

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The Lions mentor heads to Gloucester in due course to begin his new adventure as the English club’s coach.

But the 47-year-old is trying to avoid those thoughts.

“I don’t think I get the time to think about every game from now on potentially being my last,” Ackermann said on Thursday with a smile.

“There are so many things happening. Obviously we’re trying to keep a positive mindset. We believe that our campaign will hopefully carry on for a few more weeks. Only after that will I worry about the send-off.”

However, as the former Springboks lock took charge of his latest training session on Ellis Park’s pristine turf, the nostalgia managed to grip him for a moment.

“I also can’t deny that the inevitable goodbye is at the back of my mind,” said Ackermann.

“When I walk onto the field, I do wish that there are a few more days left here for me. The days are getting less and I do treasure them.”

That sentiment won’t be allowed to distract the players, who arguably have the best chance ever to claim a maiden Super Rugby title.

“I don’t talk to the players too much about me leaving,” said Ackermann.

“It’s really not about me. It’s about the players and our achievements over the past few years.”

Yet the Lions coach can rest easy over that, his evolving group of players have matured to such an extent that they maintain the right perspective on the matter.

“My position from the start has been that we should lock coach up,” captain Jaco Kriel said with a chuckle.

“We’re going to miss him dearly. There’s not a lot of time to think about this. We just want to make him proud and that means we’re putting all our energy into this game.”

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