Recently the Cheetahs signed George Cronjé, Marcell Muller and Lesley Botha, who were all still at school last year, while the scrumhalf, Juan-Dee Oliver, is completing matric this year.

Oliver, however, will only report for duty at the Cheetahs in January.

The Springbok Pienaar is by far the most senior player in the team and he told OFM Sport that it up to him and the likes of Frans Steyn to set the example.

“It is our job now as the seniors to try and guide them along and be good examples on and off the field,” said the 88-time capped Springbok scrumhalf.

“We want to see them in the green-and-gold one day, and it is up to them now to take the chance, work hard and to show that they’ve got what it takes.

“Obviously it is a big step-up because they are all still fresh out of school.

“We are all looking forward to training with them, and getting to know them better as people as well.”

The two-time World Cup winner, Steyn, is the Cheetahs biggest signing heading into the new season, and his contract starts on Wednesday as well.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport