The 34-year-old centre who recently extended his contract with the team by a further year played in his 100th game for the team earlier in the season.

The centre made his debut for the Cheetahs as a 19-year-old in 2008 and his career led him to being a Blitzbok, while he was also in the Springbok setup and received his blazer. As he never managed to play in a Test, the blazer has still never been worn, and he uses it as motivation.

In 2013 Ebersohn went to France where he player for Montpellier, Castres and Béziers. In 2021 he returned to South Africa and resumed playing for his Cheetahs, however, this time with was without his twin brother, Sias, as the former flyhalf had since retired from playing rugby.

During the 2016 and 2019 Currie Cup finals in Bloemfontein, Ebersohn, was still plying his trade at Montpelier and Castres in France.

Ebersohn, who is also a life-long Free State supporter, told OFM Sport that he was once given sound advice for playing in a final.

“Saturday will be a very special moment for me,” said the highly experienced Ebersohn.

“In 2005 I was only in grade 10 and I watched that famous 29-25 win over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. As a school boy in 2006 and 2007 I watched 28-28 draw against the Bulls and 20-18 win against the Lions in Bloemfontein.

“As a player I unfortunately never played in a final for the Cheetahs until I left in 2013 to go to France. I did watch the 2016 (36-16 win against the Bulls) and 2019 (31-28 win against the Lions) finals on TV, and while watching those games I had a lot of mixed emotions.

“I am a very proud Cheetah and I was very proud while watching those wins, but I would lie if I don't say that there was a bit of jealousy for not being a part of those teams while was sitting on the other side of the world. I was very proud and happy for the team and Bloemfontein for hosting and winning those finals.

“It is an absolute honour for me to play in this final against the Pumas. This is probably my last couple of years as player and to make it to the final and be a part of this team is an honour. It will be special to experience on Saturday.

“While I was in France, I had a coach that always said 'You don't play in a final, you win a final' and that is definitely going to be my approach and attitude for Saturday.”

Saturday’s final at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 16:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport