The unbeaten Cheetahs will want to continue their momentum in the competition as they fight to finish at the top of the standings.

The Cheetahs flanker, Gideon van der Merwe, who still played for the Griquas last season told OFM Sport that he looks forward to the return to Kimberley.

“I'm definitely excited about the weekend and I'm looking forward to playing in Kimberley again.

“I'm excited for the challenge and as a team we just need to improve. I feel like we haven't quite hit our sweet spot yet and there is a lot we can still improve on. On a personal level I also feel that there is quite a lot I can improve on.”

The hard-grafting player who has taken his game to the next level at the Cheetahs added that the derby will definitely be hard and physical upfront and it will be matter of fronting up to the challenge, while also improving on their game.

“The battle in the among the loose-forwards is going to be tough this weekend. They've got lots of talent there, and we have also been looking good in that area of the game.

“I definitely feel that the battle can be won upfront.

“We just have to bring the physicality and improve on that. We just have to expect a big battle upfront and front up to the challenge.”

Saturday’s central derby in Kimberley kicks off at 14:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport