On Tuesday the 28-year-old Sekekete was named as the new captain of the side and he takes over from the 88-time capped Springbok, Ruan Pienaar.

Sekekete has excelled since joining the Cheetahs from the Griquas two-years ago and recently he was also named as the team’s Forward of the Year.

Sekekete told OFM Sport that he is ready for the responsibility.

“I'm truly honoured and privileged to have been named the new captain of the Cheetahs. It means a lot. It means a lot to have the backing of the coaches and the players. I've been here at the Cheetahs for two years now and it's been a journey. It's been a fruitful one and it's also been a challenging one. At the end of the day, I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to lead the team.

“To represent the union on and off the field is a big responsibility. Especially taking it on from Ruan – he is a great guy with a great career.

“At least I will still be having the leadership team to help me throughout this captaincy. It's a great experience and I'm looking forward to the challenges. At the end of the day, I am still looking forward to working with the team... that's the biggest thing of it all.”

“I'm giving thanks to the coaches and the players for giving me this role and I am going to give it my all throughout.”

Next week Friday the Cheetahs tackle the Bulls at the Toyota Stadium in their first match of the Toyota Challenge.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport