Du Toit who has fallen out of favour as the first-choice hooker at the Cheetahs will be trading Bloemfontein for Port Elizabeth after signing a contract with the Southern Kings.

Since an injury last season, Du Toit, has not been able to secure a regular starting role at the Cheetahs, and this is due to an incredible form of Joseph Dweba who has made the number two jersey his own.

In a statement by the 25-year-old player who has been in the system since leaving school, he admitted that not being able to earn a place in the starting line-up is a big reason for deciding to go and play for the Kings.

“Mixed feelings is the only way I can describe how I’m feeling.

“I’m really excited about heading into my second Currie Cup final with the Cheetahs. It will, however, be my last week with the team before joining the Southern Kings for the next Pro 14 season.

“I’ve been involved with the Cheetahs for almost 5 years, excluding my 3 years as a junior and what a roller coaster it’s been.

“Bloemfontein is the place where I was born, raised, married and became a dad. It’s also where I trained and played my heart out every chance I got.

“I’m not someone who often speaks about myself or my setbacks because I would rather focus on the positive things in life.

“Although I have enjoyed my time at the Cheetahs there were some tough times too.

“Not being selected for the team and dealing with long term injuries are things that many young sports people have to face.

“We connect our worth team selection and winning matches and we feel devastated when our name is not called or when we lose.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to wear the starting jersey as much as I would have liked, but I had to make a choice that my attitude and my worth was connected to my purpose and my faith.”

With Wilmar Arnoldi joining the Cheetahs from the Griquas, Du Toit's departure will certainly make Hawies Fourie's team selection a lot easier.

Other players who will be departing the Cheetahs are Ox Nche and Henco Venter, who will both join the Sharks, and the loose-forward, Abongile Nonkontwana, who will be heading back to the Bulls.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport