Both teams head into the match following first-round defeats, with the Cheetahs losing to Boland, while the Leopards fell short against the Griquas.

The Cheetahs have been boosted by the return of several players from injury, including the exciting outside back, Michael Annies. Annies sustained a hamstring injury while scoring a try for the Cheetahs in their EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Zebre in Amsterdam.

Michael Annies flying over for a try against Emerging Ireland. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Varsity Cup star will come off the bench tonight, and he told OFM Sport that he believes they are in for a good year.

“Yes, I’m very happy to be back and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team again,” said the former Junior Springbok.

“Obviously, the other guys are a few steps ahead of me, but I think I can make a big impact when I come off the bench after such a long time. We’re settling in well with a solid game plan, new coaches, and a fresh approach. I’m just excited to be back.”

Annies, who undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, will enjoy his first full season with the Cheetahs. Last year, he was still playing for UFS Shimlas in the Varsity Cup before linking up with Free State for the Currie Cup campaign. While he has big personal goals, he emphasised the importance of the team’s success.

“The goals are always there, but for us it’s about improving as a team and growing together. I believe this year will be a much more successful one for us. We have a great squad, fantastic coaches, and I’m really excited about what the future holds.”

Meanwhile, Rob Hunt and Ali Mgijima, who both picked up injuries in Europe, will also make their return off the bench against the Potchefstroom-based side.

Ali Mgijima. Photo: Morgan Piek

Friday night’s SA Cup match between the Cheetahs and Leopards at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 18:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde,13 Raegan Oranje, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Banie Britz, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Pierre Uys, 7 Neels Volschenk, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Pieter Janse van Vuuren, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (captain), 1 Hencus van Wyk

Replacements - 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Litha Nkula, 22 Ali Mgijima, 23 Michael Annies

Leopards - 15 Lwandile Mapuko, 14 Sino Tshontyi, 13 André Grobler, 12 Mihlali Nchukana, 11 Clyde Lewis, 10 Charles Williams, 9 Sylvester Hassien, 8 Gcino Mdletshe, 7 Ghudian Van Reenen, 6 Uzile Tele, 5 Chris Van Heerden, 4 Imaad Phillips, 3 Ig Prinsloo (captain), 2 Jason Alexander, 1 Tatenda Chayayi

Replacements - 16 Liyema Mgwigwi, 17 Dima Lebelo, 18 Michael Ryan, 19 Lood Prins, 20 Arminn Posthumus, 21 Eben Verster, 22 Izak Smith, 23 Shaun Baxter

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg