Verity-Amm is set to start at fullback, marking his first appearance in over a year following a knee injury.

In the flyhalf department, George Lourens retains the number ten jersey, and adding further excitement, Swanepoel is poised to make his debut from the bench, following weeks of frustration on the sidelines.

The powerful centre Carel-Jan Coetzee makes his return to the matchday squad following a knee injury, and will provide impact off the bench by covering of the midfield and on the wing.

James Verity-Amm and Tiaan Swanepoel - Morgan Piek

In the forward pack, the dynamic hooker Vernon Paulo will start in the front row, and veteran loosehead prop Schalk Ferreira will make his first start in four games.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Swanepoel, who previously represented the Lions and the Sharks, acknowledged that his match fitness might need some sharpening after the prolonged absence. However, he emphasised that his eagerness and excitement to play far outweigh any concerns.

“After two months of not playing, there is definitely a hunger, but more than that, there is a lot of excitement,” Swanepoel stated.

“I just want to get back onto the field. Not being out there for such a long time, you do lose a bit of your game fitness and all that, so I’m really hungry to play tomorrow.”

Looking ahead to the encounter, Swanepoel added, “We’re expecting to play a running game tomorrow, but also to keep things simple and play in the right areas. The lungs will burn a bit, but hopefully not too badly, as I’ve been training in Johannesburg, so the altitude is quite similar.”

Having been training with the Cheetahs since March, Swanepoel expressed his familiarity with the team’s playing style. Despite his reputation for possessing a strong boot, he believes his overall game is well-suited to the Free State’s dynamic approach.

Tiaan Swanepoel - Morgan Piek

“I know the Cheetahs are known for their brand of running rugby, so playing in the right areas will be a positive for the team to execute that running game effectively. It consistently puts the opposition on the back foot. So yes, I think my running game will be awesome to contribute to the Cheetahs.”

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs have signed another former UCT Ikeys player in the tighthead, John Kelly Okonkwo. Okonkwo played for the Ikeys for two seasons in the Varsity Cup, and before that do Wits. During the 2024 Varsity Cup final against the Shimlas in Bloemfontein he was the starting tighthead for the Ikeys. He comes in as a replacement for Robert Hunt who will be leaving the Cheetahs at the end of the SA Cup to joined the Dragons in Newport, Wales.

John Kelly Okonkwo playing for Wits against the CUT Ixias in the Varsity Cup - Hannes Naude

Okonkwo was at the training with a big smile on Friday at the next chapter in his career begins. He has previously made a turn at the Lions and Sharks as well.

The SA Cup match between the Toyota Cheetahs and the Border Bulldogs will kick off at 15:00 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Cheetahs - 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Michael Annies, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements - 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 20 Pierre Uys, 21 Tiaan Swanepoel, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Carel-Jan Coetzee

Border Bulldogs - TBA

Morgan Piek OFM Sport