As the Cheetahs gear up for their 2025 Currie Cup opener against Boland in Wellington, the shadow of a previous defeat looms large. Last time they met on this field, Boland handed them a 45-29 thumping in the SA Cup, a memory that has Cheetahs’ director of rugby Frans Steyn more on edge than excited about the rematch. “Am I looking forward to the Boland game? No, I don’t like this feeling, I don’t like the stress,” Steyn confessed.
Despite the nerves, there’s a buzz around the team’s potential, especially after a morale-boosting 24-20 victory over Georgia in a pre-season clash that marked the 130th anniversary of Free State rugby. Steyn observed, “The one thing that came out of the Georgia game was the work rate and the physicality. We went to the next level and set the standard.”
“It’s going to be a great tactical battle,”
noted Captain Victor Sekekete, eyeing the strategic nuances of the upcoming match. He added, “We know what Boland want to do. There are some people on their side that know how we like to play. We are focusing on ourselves and executing our plans on the day.”The scrum battles and the integration of promising young players into the lineup are points of pride and focus. “Scrumming-wise we have held our own against Griquas and Georgia. The young guys are stepping up, and it’s an exciting time for South African rugby,” Sekekete shared.
The spotlight is also on Ntokhozo Makhaza, the dynamic 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Season, who scored twice against Georgia on his debut. “You can see there is something special about Makhaza, he is an awesome asset to have in our squad,” praised Steyn.
However, Steyn is candid about the broader challenges facing the team, particularly in terms of developing their junior setup. “For the young players to be sticking with us is great, but our structures aren’t where they should be,” he admitted. Steyn’s vision is clear: “If we get to the place where I can send a player an offer and they can’t wait to come to Bloemfontein, then we are on the right track.”
With a mix of seasoned insights and fresh talent, the Cheetahs are not just looking to avenge past defeats but are also setting the stage for a robust future in South African rugby.