The Toyota Cheetahs will bid farewell to the winger Daniel Kasende after the Currie Cup after three years.

The speed merchant who joined the Cheetahs from the Griquas in 2021 will be heading abroad to continue his career at the Ospreys on a full-time contract. Before playing for the Peacock Blues in Kimberley he was a star winger for Wits in the Varsity Cup.

Late last year, Daniel Kasende, was one of the first three Cheetahs players to head to Swansea on a short-term loan deal, along with Rewan Kruger and Marnus van der Merwe. The latter has since linked up with another Welsh team, the Scarlets in Llanelli.

Daniel Kasende and Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Morgan Piek

Kasende told OFM Sport that playing at the Cheetahs was very special indeed and its supporters made it special, while he also got to play with his childhood heroes.

“It goes without saying the Cheetahs hold a special place in my heart from the time I got here in 2021,” said Kasende.

“It’s been a really, really an amazing time; the Bloemfontein faithful and supporters have been really amazing on and off the field. They’re really, really good to the players.

“Just the team itself, I’ve really gained a lot of brothers. I’ve gotten the opportunity and privilege to play with some of my childhood heroes growing up, you know, watching Oupa Mohoje, Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn, Clayton Blommetjies, and Rosco Specman, for them to become my teammates. The list goes on. They became my brothers and teammates and to be able to sit and have a conversation with them. It’s really something special to me.

“From the coaches, coach Hawies Fourie who gave me the opportunity to come here to the Cheetahs. I’m really grateful to the board, and everyone who backed me and just allowed me to express myself on the field. And also, those who were there for me off the field.”

Kasende added that it is going to be tough leaving the team as it has been good and special to him, but he is not quite done yet and there is still some unfinished business to take care of.

“I’m quite an entertaining guy. I come up with a lot of tricks and I’m always loud, always talking and the guys have really become close to me.  It’s tough for me to be leaving, but I guess it’s a part of the journey, and it’s a part of life’s journey where you know you’ve got to keep moving forward.

Daniel Kasende going in for a try against the Bulls. Photo: Morgan Piek

“But yeah, definitely a special place. We still have a few more games, so I’m quite focused on that.  I haven’t left yet, you know. I’m still going to give it my all each and every game. We’re pushing for this Currie Cup and hopefully, we can leave things on a high.”

Last year Kasende won the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs and even got a tattoo of the Sir Donald Currie trophy on his calf. 

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh