Tighthead props Ben Pitout and Frankie dos Reis are both set to feature in the world’s oldest domestic competition for the first time. In addition, wingers Ntokozo Makhaza and Banie Britz are also expected to make their Currie Cup debuts.

All four of the young players have previously represented the Cheetahs, but players like Britz, who made his senior debut against the Pumas in the 2024 SA Cup, are yet to feature in a Currie Cup match.

Banie Britz. Photo: Morgan Piek

The quartet, however, did play in the Cheetahs’ historic 24–20 victory over Georgia in Bloemfontein nearly two weeks ago. In that game, Makhaza crossed the whitewash twice, while Britz also dotted down. It is expected that the team will be very similar to the one that played against the Lelos, while it will give the Cheetahs some continuity.

Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn, who took a short break during the week of the Georgia game, has rejoined the team. Although he watched that match from afar, he told OFM Sport that there were plenty of positives, particularly the physicality shown by his chargers against tough opposition.

“I think the one thing that stood out against Georgia was how hard the guys worked and the physicality they brought,” said Steyn.

“The physicality is always there, but that was next-level stuff. We set the standard in that match. Now we need to lift it every week.

“If we want to do well in this competition, which I believe is going to be a tough one this year, we need to raise our game consistently.”

Ntokozo Makhaza. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn added that he is very pleased with where the squad is currently, especially with new players and coaches in the system, all of whom are buying into the vision to return Free State rugby to its rightful place.

“I’m very happy with where the squad is at the moment. It’s exciting. The guys are learning, they’re communicating, they’re involved, and they’re committed,” the two-time Rugby World Cup winner said.

“We’re listening to each other as well. I’m just saying we still need to step it up. We can definitely improve in certain areas, but it’s going to be a process.

“Like I said earlier, a lot of players have moved on, and we’ve brought in many new and younger guys. Like Victor Sekekete said, let’s take the props, for example – I'm really excited about them.

“I also hope to see the SA U20 guys, who just wrapped up their season, playing for other teams too. I’d like to see them in the EPCR Challenge Cup and the URC. Young players must be given opportunities.

“So yes, I’m very happy with where we are. The team culture and vibe are in a good place. For me, the Currie Cup is very important. We need to do well to have a strong foundation to build on.

“But having said that, it’s going to take a squad effort to succeed in this Currie Cup. The last thing I want, is to get to the end of the competition with 23 players over the moon because they played every match, and the rest miserable because they didn’t get game time. That’s not what I want.

Frans Steyn. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s about managing the players in a way that keeps everyone happy and enjoying their time at the Free State.

“We need to bring the young guys through the system and see what they’re capable of. There’s still EPCR action later this year, and we must know what we’ve got in the tank.

“As I said, this year’s Currie Cup will be a real test for us as a union.”

Sunday’s big Currie Cup opener between the Cheetahs and the Boland Cavaliers at the Boland Stadium in Wellington kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg