The final against the defending champions won’t be the 88-time capped Springbok Ruan Pienaar’s swansong.

Reports over the past couple of weeks indicated that Pienaar will be hanging up his boots after the final, however, it is confirmed that the 39-year-old has extended his contract with the team by a further year.

Just last week during the semi-final against the Bulls, Pienaar confirmed his immense value at the Cheetahs by dictating the game and scoring 22 points during the 39-10 win.

When asked if Saturday's big game in the City of Roses will be the players' last, the coach Hawies Fourie told OFM Sport that Pienaar has just extended his contract and they are looking forward to having the living legend play at least one more season for the team.

“No, he has extended his contract with us for another year, so he will play for us for another season,” said Fourie.

“He's still enjoying his rugby and he is a very competitive person, so he will want to finish his career on a high.

“He won't just play for money or whatever - he will give his weight and input to the Cheetahs.

“He is an experienced player and we all pull him in when we have conversations around what to do and how to do things.

“He will have the same role as this year, where he will be supporting Victor Sekekete. He will be the leader of the backs and obviously on the field he can play nine or ten and he will be the sort of general on the pitch.”

Saturday’s final between the Cheetahs and Pumas at the Toyota Stadium will kick-off at 16:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport