The in-form centre, Carel-Jan Coetzee, is the latest player that will be linking up with the Toyota Cheetahs.

Coetzee will be making a return to Bloemfontein to bolster the Cheetahs midfield.

The 29-year-old has previously played for the Free State and the Cheetahs, but has been plying his trade at the Griffons in Welkom since 2022.

Coetzee first played for the Free State back in 2016 but during his first tenue at the Cheetahs he offered ran out as a loan player for the Griffons.

During the Currie Cup Premier Division in 2023 and the SA Cup in 2024, Coetzee, was in outstanding form for the Griffons and it in no surprise that he is one of the players that forms span of the mass exodus at the ‘Purple People Eaters’.

Coetzee scored a try for the Griffons during their shock 36-33 victory against the Cheetahs in Welkom in the SA Cup back in April.

Coetzee told OFM Sport that he is just too happy to be making a return to the Cheetahs and he hopes to make a big impact at the team.

“It's good to back with the Cheetahs and where it all started,” said Coetzee.

“I'm so grateful for the opportunity and I'm looking forward to a great Currie Cup season. I'm here to work hard, play good rugby and hopefully this can continue for a few more years.”

The player’s versatility is a definite bonus and he because of his speed he can easily slot in as an outside back for the Cheetahs.

The Cheetahs will kick-off their Currie Cup title defence on 6 July against the very same Griffons in Bloemfontein.

This game at the Toyota Stadium is scheduled to kick-off at 13:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport