Rugby
Ferreira’s boots not packed away just yet─── MORGAN PIEK 13:45 Tue, 20 May 2025
Veteran Toyota Cheetahs loosehead prop Schalk Ferreira has downplayed suggestions that he has officially hung up his boots, but he is ready to move on and plough back into rugby after a career of over 20 years.
The 41-year-old, who has spent the past five years with the Cheetahs, is one of six players recently farewelled by the team.
Ferreira featured in nearly 300 first-class matches during an illustrious career that was interrupted by a serious neck injury. Despite being told he would never play again, he made a remarkable comeback.
Earlier in May, his good friend and former teammate Brok Harris announced his retirement. Between the two seasoned pros, they earned a combined total of over 700 caps across their careers.
Ferreira represented the Cheetahs on 68 occasions, with his most recent outing – for now – coming in the Cheetahs’ emphatic 106-7 win over the Border Bulldogs in Bloemfontein during the SA Cup. He scored the team’s opening try and narrowly missed a conversion attempt just before half-time.
Speaking to OFM Sport, Ferreira said that although he may still lace up his boots again, his future lies in coaching. “I just looked at the game differently when I came back – I knew every game was a blessing,” said Ferreira.
Schalk Ferreira. Photo: Morgan Piek
“For 14 years, God has been so good to me, and I’m grateful for all the people, players, and coaches who’ve been part of my journey.
“Rugby definitely made me a better man – not necessarily a richer one, but certainly a better one. I’m especially thankful that Free State gave me a contract when I was 36 or 37. That was during the COVID period, which was a tough time, but these five years with the Cheetahs have been a real blessing for me and my family.
“Bloemfontein has been good to us, and now I feel it’s time for me to give back to the squad. It’s full of people I love and respect, so stepping into a scrum coaching role is the next natural step – and a blessing in itself.
Gideon van der Merwe and Schalk Ferreira. Photo: Morgan Piek
“Life after rugby is always uncertain, so this is a soft transition for me. Coaching scrums is something I’m passionate about. I just feel grateful, blessed, and really happy.”
In addition to his time with the Free State, Ferreira also played for Western Province, the Stormers, the Southern Kings, and French club Toulouse.
In 2014, he featured for the World XV against the Springboks at Newlands in Cape Town.
