Regular captain Victor Sekekete, flyhalf Jaco van der Walt, and inside centre Zander du Plessis have all returned home with injuries; a triple blow that disrupts both leadership and continuity. The towering “beanstalk” Curtly Thomas, along with flyhalf George Lourens, have already linked up with the squad in Amsterdam. 

Thomas, who was named after the West Indies cricketing great Curtly Ambrose, could finally make his long-awaited Cheetahs debut this weekend, while Lourens is poised for his first outing since breaking his arm prior to the Currie Cup.

Chucky van der Westhuizen and Victor Sekekete. Photo: Morgan Piek

Since joining the Cheetahs in 2020, Sekekete has never sustained a major injury, and during his tenure has played almost 80 minutes in each game the team has played.

Sekekete has suffered a facial fracture, while both Van der Walt and Du Plessis are nursing hamstring niggles. The exact severity of Sekekete’s injury remains unclear at this time, but coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that losing the highly experienced leader is a major blow.

“Vic has a small fracture in his cheek; he’s already back home and has done his scans,” said Steyn.

“Doc (Tarryn Thomas) will update me once she knows more. We literally just got back to the hotel. I don’t know how long he’ll be out or what the plan is from here.

“What I can say is that Vic’s not here and he won’t be playing this weekend.”

Steyn added that the squad has been bolstered with reinforcements. “We’ve brought in Curtly (Thomas) and George (Lourens), and they’ve joined the group.”

Zander du Plessis. Photo: Morgan Piek

As for Van der Walt and Du Plessis, Steyn explained that the Cheetahs are taking a cautious approach after learning hard lessons earlier this year with long-term injuries to Munier Hartzenberg and Michael Annies.

“Jaco has a small issue with his hamstring, and with him and Zander, we’re taking precautionary steps.

“We still have EPCR games in January, and then the SA Cup and Currie Cup after that. We don’t want to risk players and end up with bigger injuries next year.

Curtly Thomas. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s a massive loss for us, but it also gives other guys the opportunity to show what they’re worth - and we have to make it work.”

Van der Walt made his Cheetahs debut last week against the Exeter Chiefs, while Du Plessis debuted earlier against Black Lion of Georgia and was outstanding in the midfield in Devon.

With Van der Walt now sidelined, one can’t help but feel that the No.10 jersey at the Cheetahs is cursed; flyhalves have dropped like flies in 2025, including Lourens, Ethan Wentzel, Tiaan Swanepoel, and Franco Smith Jr.

George Lourens. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn might decide to throw Lourens straight into the deep end this weekend, or he could turn to the experienced Clayton Blommetjies to steer the ship.

Saturday’s match at the NRCA Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh