NEW Boland Cavaliers coach Eugene "Loffie" Eloff has retained the team that was relegated to the Currie Cup First Division last season.

NEW Boland Cavaliers coach Eugene "Loffie" Eloff has retained the team that was relegated to the Currie Cup First Division last season.

Eloff says he retained all the players because he has faith in them, despite their performance. He said his charges showed plenty of eagerness during a vigorous pre-season training schedule last month.

"I am excited with the progress the team made during the camp," he said.

"I am satisfied with the current squad because they showed fighting spirit in their last league games, including the promotional and relegation playoffs.

"Now we will be working on their fitness and psychological readiness.

"I won't rush into signing new players. I have confidence in the current squad. I'm hopeful we will regain our elite league status at the end of the next season."

Former Lions coach Eloff took over the reins from Chester Williams, the former Bok who failed to save the Boland side from relegation. They were beaten by Witbank's Pumas in the relegation playoffs in Mpumalanga.