The in-form backline marshal sustained an eye injury during a training ground collision, and there were fears that he could miss out for a second game in a row.

Masuku missed their previous match against Western Province in Cape Town due to flu.

Masuku took part in the Cheetahs team session on Tuesday morning and he appeared to show no ill effects of the black and swollen eye he sustained during the collision with the flanker, Andisa Ntsila.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport he is happy that Masuku will be available for selection.

“Siya and Andisa Ntsila were involved in quite a heavy collision.

“Luckily, he looks okay and he can see through the eye and he got through training this morning.

“There was quite a bit of contact and he did well. He will be ready to play on Friday against the Lions.”

Meanwhile, there were new faces at the training session with the Shimlas flyhalf George Lourens and outside back, Litha Nkula, having report at the Cheetahs for the first time on Monday. 

The Shimlas captain and lock, Thabang Mahlasi, started training with the Cheetahs last week.

Last week Lourens was named as the Varsity Cup Player of the Year and it’s second time in two years that the winner of the award has linked up with the Cheetahs. Last year the CUT Ixias fullback, Cohen Jasper, won the accolade and joined the Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs and Lions will battle it out from 19:00 on Friday evening at Ellis Park.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport