This change comes with just two rounds left in the competition, which is serving as a qualifier for the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division.

The former Scotland international, Proudfoot, a native of the North West province who also represented the Leopards early in his playing career, has been at the helm for the past two seasons.

Matthew Proudfoot and Frans Steyn - Morgan Piek

After seven rounds of this year’s SA Cup, the Leopards have endured a tough campaign, losing six of their seven matches. They’ve conceded a staggering 425 points, with a points difference of -353. Over the course of these games, they’ve scored only eight tries while conceding 65.

Their sole victory in the 2025 competition came against the bottom-of-the-log Border Bulldogs. The Potchefstroom-based side clinched a narrow 28-25 win on 29 March at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

OFM Sport understands that Riaan van Straaten, previously the Director of Rugby at Hoërskool Sentraal in Bloemfontein, will take over as interim head coach for the remaining matches — against the Valke in Potchefstroom this Saturday, and next week’s clash against the SWD Eagles.

Riaan van Straten - LinkedIn

Van Straten joined Proudfoot’s coaching team earlier this season after spending several years coaching in Russia. The Leopards will reassess the coaching role once the SA Cup concludes.

Currently second from bottom on the log with two rounds remaining, the Leopards are out of contention for a semi-final spot and will not qualify for the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division.

Saturday’s match between the Leopards and Valke at Olën Park kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport