This weekend’s Central Derby is a defining match for both sides, with the winner likely to secure a home semi-final. Naming a debutant in such a high-stakes game is a bold move, but the Cheetahs have shown this season that they are not afraid to back younger players – and more often than not, it has paid off.

The former Wits and UCT Ikeys front-rower joined the Cheetahs earlier this year and now becomes the latest tighthead to be handed a debut for the side this season. Earlier in the campaign, youngsters Frankie Dos Reis and Ben Pitout both made their Currie Cup bows for the seven-time champions and have since become regulars in the matchday squad.

John-Kelly Okonkwo, when he was still at the Lions. Photo: Lions

Okonkwo, who is known for his ever-present smile, told OFM Sport that he has been working tirelessly to get back onto the park since arriving in Bloemfontein, and that this is the opportunity he has been waiting for. Making his debut against a formidable Griquas outfit, he said, makes it even more special.

“Firstly, I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” said Okonkwo.

“I’ve made sure that I gave everything I could to get back onto the field. To get a start and a debut is fantastic – it’s something a lot of players dream of. I feel honoured to be selected, especially against the Griquas, a team we’ve had a strong rivalry with for quite a few years now. So, ja, I’m very excited.”

The Free State has long been renowned for producing some of the finest front-rowers in the country. The current Springbok squad alone features Ox Nché, Boan Venter and Marnus van der Merwe, all of whom came through the union. Not to mention legends such as Os du Randt, Coenie Oosthuizen, and brothers Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis.

Okonkwo added that only his best will be good enough, and that is how he intends to repay the faith shown in him by the Cheetahs’ coaches and teammates.

“Well, I think it would be a disservice to the coaches and the team if they backed me and I didn’t back myself. I know what I can offer, and I know what I’ve had to overcome to get this opportunity. Friday will be a proper test to see how it goes.”

John-Kelly Okonkwo in action for Wits against the CUT Ixias in the Varsity Cup. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

The 24-year-old, who holds a degree in Psychology and International Relations, added that the Peacock Blues will pose a stern challenge, with their pack arguably being one of the strongest – if not the strongest – in the competition this season.

“We set out this season to be the most efficient and dominant pack, and I feel like in the past five games we’ve ticked quite a few of those boxes,” he said.

“Now it’s just about ironing out the finer details. We’ve got great depth – internationals, Varsity Cup players, youngsters, and experienced guys – and that mix keeps the standard high. The youngsters bring fresh energy, while the senior guys share their wisdom. It makes the competition amongst us healthy but very competitive.”

Friday’s Central Derby between the Toyota Cheetahs and the Peacock Blues at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs