The Toyota Cheetahs will begin with their training for the SA Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup on Wednesday following a welcome break after their most recent trip to Europe.

The former Springbok and Sharks winger, Sbu Nkosi, is linked with a stint at the Cheetahs, however he could join on a trial period from the end of the month once everything has been finalised.

There is interest in the player who has scored nine tries in 16 Tests for the Springboks. Nkosi has been in the rugby wilderness following in exit from the Bulls which was a result of his well-documented mental health issues.

The Cheetahs are known as a team that give players a second or a third chance, but ultimately the ball is in the said players’ court.

Nkosi joining the Cheetahs will at this stage also only be for trials in order to see if he can fit into the system.

The Cheetahs assistant coach, Charl Strydom, told OFM Sport that they will have to deal with the extreme heat in Bloemfontein as they prepare for the SA Cup.

“It has been a long break for us, and the last time we trained, it was in snow. We actually couldn't train for two days in Amsterdam because of frozen pitches. So it was a bit of extreme weather for us before coming back here.

“The guys will do some testing this week in the gym, and then it's going to be the field sessions which will be around about 1pm, so we will be exposed to a bit of sun.

“I think everyone is looking forward to getting back onto the pitch and then working towards the first two games in the SA Cup and that match against Clermont in Europe.”

On Nkosi, Strydom, added that it would be nice to be able to give a player of the calibre of Nkosi an opportunity, should he end up joining the team.

“There have been so many players that have been able revive their careers back here at the 'States',” Strydom added.

“It's a place where some players pick up their careers again after some disappointments. It's always been a case of players being able to get a new lease on their careers when they get here.

“Hopefully, we can help reach his potential again, because there is no doubt that he has got the pedigree.”

Meanwhile, there is still no official word on the coach Hawies Fourie’s future at the Currie Cup champions. He is heavily linked with the head coach role at the Boland Cavaliers and it is expected that he will head to Wellington on a three-year contract.

The Cheetahs will face the Cavaliers on 23 March in round one of the SA Cup.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport