Rugby
Volschenk sets standard for Cheetahs─── MORGAN PIEK 09:53 Tue, 19 Aug 2025

The Toyota Cheetahs coach, Frans Steyn, has praised the influence of hardworking eighth-man Neels Volschenk ahead of their crucial Currie Cup clash against the Lions in Bloemfontein.
The tireless Volschenk scored the Cheetahs’ only try in a hard-fought 7-5 win against the Sharks in Clermont, and on Saturday, he crossed the line again for what proved to be the match-winning try in their 31-24 victory over Western Province.
In that game, he also made a total of 15 ball carries, second only to Western Province counterpart Louw Nel, who had 17. Against the Sharks, Volschenk had 18 carries and another 18 the week prior against the Pumas, while also contributing 14 tackles.
Neels Volschenk with the ball during one of his 15 carries against Western Province. Photo: Morgan Piek
The 22-year-old’s performances put him among the leading carriers and defenders in the Currie Cup after just four rounds. He has certainly cemented himself in the Cheetahs team as an invaluable player and a go-to guy in key moments.
Steyn told OFM Sport that the former Grey College captain leads by example both on and off the pitch, setting a stellar example for teammates, whether senior or junior.
“Imagine where he’s going to be in two years,” said Steyn after the important win against Western Province.
“I think in the changing room, when he speaks, people listen because of the way he operates during the week. There’s no 50% or 70% effort from him. Even in a warm-up or hurdles, he goes flat out. He’s a massive role model for a lot of the players, and someone they can look up to.
“But off the field, there is also a lot players can learn from Neels, because the way he works behind the scenes shows on the pitch.”
Michael Annies against the Lions in the 2024 Currie Cup semi-final at Ellis Park. Photo: Morgan Piek
Meanwhile, the Cheetahs have received more good news, with wingers Michael Annies and Prince Nkabinde set to return from injury against the Lions. Annies is back after a Lisfranc fracture in his foot, sustained in the SA Cup semi-final against the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley.
Nkabinde fractured his thumb in a warm-up game against the Griquas in Bultfontein ahead of the Currie Cup.
Annies told OFM Sport that he’s excited and ready to get back on the field.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play again and be with the team – it’s been a long time on the sidelines,” said Annies.
“I’m very happy and excited to be back. The boys did very well – Banie Britz, Ntokozo Makhaza, and Cohen Jasper have done well and set the standard. I have to match them, which will be tough, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Cheetahs’ must-win clash against the Lions at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 14:00 on Saturday.