Right at the heart of the action, brimming with excitement, is their imposing new midfield recruit, De-an Ackermann, who played his junior rugby at the Griquas.

The former Pumas centre has been training in the Free State capital for a few weeks, and it seems he’s already done enough to earn his place, with a debut on the cards next week when the Cheetahs face the formidable Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in the opening round.

Ackermann's journey back to South African shores has been anything but ordinary. Before pulling on the Cheetahs colours, he was plying his trade in the frozen plains of Siberia, Russia, where he played alongside another familiar face in Bloemfontein - flanker Ulrich Stander, a former Cheetah and Griffon.

De-an Ackermann - Dirk Kotze

Tall in stature and blessed with genuine pace, Ackermann promises to be a serious impact player in the Cheetahs' backline - if his training form is anything to go by.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Ackermann expressed his excitement about the new chapter, noting that his recent experiences have made settling into the Bloemfontein setup that much easier.

“I must say, it’s a massive opportunity for me. Having played at the Pumas, and even being over in Russia, to be able to come back to South Africa and play in a top competition like the EPCR - I’m super excited for that,” said Ackermann.

He was quick to credit the mentorship he received in Nelspruit, believing it truly shaped his game.

“Everything I learned there with Coach MJ Mentz and Coach Jimmy Stonehouse was unbelievable for me, especially getting that opportunity at the Pumas after coming back from Romania at the time.

“It was amazing to learn the ropes there, and now I can bring that experience to help the team here. It’s absolutely amazing.”

6) De-An Ackermann (Enisei-STM) Dynamo VS Enisei-STM pic.twitter.com/9yLJuPHhLp

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Touching on his time in Russia, playing for Enisei-STM - where Friedle Olivier also played before joining the Cheetahs - Ackermann revealed that while the country might not be renowned for its rugby pedigree, the league is surprisingly tough and physical, making it a perfect training ground for the European grind.

“’Ula’ [Stander] is a great mate of mine – he’s a good guy and a very hard player as well,” he said.

“In Russia, they might not be known for their big rugby, but the league is very physical. They also train incredibly hard, and with all the foreigners there - like five or six in every team - it’s very competitive.

“The rugby is quite good over there, which definitely prepares you well for what lies ahead, especially in the Challenge Cup.”

Ulrich Stander - Morgan Piek

The Chiefs are a quality outfit, and Ackermann knows they will present a formidable challenge. But the mood in the Cheetahs camp is defiant.

“100%, they are a quality side, so we know what is waiting for us,” Ackermann stated confidently.

“But let me tell you, we also have a quality side here, and we absolutely believe in our own ability. We are ready to take them on, no doubt.”

Next Sunday’s Challenge Cup opener between the Exeter Chiefs and the Toyota Cheetahs at Sandy Park is set for a 19:30 kick-off.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport