Fourie has opted to field a 35-strong squad for the upcoming season, instead of the maximum of 45 players.

The tactician has gone for some experience in the form of the Springbok Frans Steyn, while he has also contracted real talent with the younger players.

Cheetahs William Small-Smith told OFM Sport that contracting more local boys will benefit rugby in the region.

“I am really enjoying the contracting strategy of coach Hawies at the moment. I think that he tried really hard to keep the core of the team together, and he is bringing in a bit of experience with a guy like Frans Steyn.

“You saw what Ruan (Pienaar) meant for us last season, so hopefully Frans can bring the same leadership and calmness.

“Then he has brought in the young guys as well. Coach Hawies’ knowledge of the younger players is really exceptional. I think because he was still with the Maties last year he has a great knowledge of the guys coming through the age groups. That has just been emphasised by him signing George (Cronjé) and Marcell (Muller).

“I think that it’s a step in the right direction especially because they are local boys. You have a bunch of great rugby players in Bloemfontein and even in Welkom and Kimberley. If we can keep a few more of them in Bloemfontein we will not only strengthen the Cheetahs, but also the Shimlas and the CUT Ixias.

“If you are an 18-year-old there should be a ladder that you can climb or a process that you can follow and I think that coach Hawies is going out of his way to set up that process and giving the guys hope. If you stay here for three, four, or five years, get your degree, play a bit of rugby you might be playing PRO14 rugby at the age of 21 or 22. I think that is a great dream to sell.

“Hopefully we can keep on signing young players who will be the core of the team in five years’ time.”

To date, the Cheetahs have contracted Steyn, George Cronjé, Marcell Muller, Ian Groenewald and Jeandré Rudolph for the upcoming season.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport