Standing in their way first up are Hawies Fourie’s Boland Cavaliers – a side that enjoyed the upper hand over the Free Staters in both the SA Cup and Currie Cup last season. In the SA Cup, the Cavaliers stunned the Cheetahs with a convincing 45–29 victory at Boland Stadium in Wellington, before edging them 37–35 in a nail-biting Currie Cup clash.

Although the Cheetahs eventually fought their way into the SA Cup semi-finals, their campaign ended in heartbreak with a narrow 41–38 defeat to the Suzuki Griquas. 

This time around, the priority will be a much stronger start as they look to boost their chances of securing Currie Cup qualification.

Toyota Cheetahs vs Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein in 2024. Photo: Morgan Piek

The early fixtures won’t get any easier. In round two, the Cheetahs hit the road to face the Leopards at Olën Park in Potchefstroom, before returning home in round three for a bruising encounter against the defending champions, the Pumas. For a third year on the bounce, all the fixtures will be played in exactly the same order, with the only difference being that the venues alternate each season.

There is, however, a major boost for the Bloemfontein outfit, with regular captain Victor Sekekete set to return after recovering from a facial fracture sustained against Exeter Chiefs in the opening round of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Sekekete has been given the green light to resume training and began taking contact earlier this week. The 32-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, is not one who often finds himself on the injury list and is known for consistently playing the full 80 minutes.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Sekekete confirmed he will be ready for the SA Cup, admitting that while it was strange watching from the sidelines, the enforced break turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“The injury came very unexpectedly, but I’m grateful because it could have been much worse,” said Sekekete.

“I’ve been out for about eight weeks now. The doctors are happy with my recovery, and I’ve started my return-to-play process, including contact training this week.

Victor Sekekete on the charge against Western Province. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in once pre-season starts and getting the fitness back. It’s good that the SA Cup is happening and that there are more games – game time is exactly what we need at this point, and I’m excited to get back on the field.

“It was a bit weird watching from the sidelines, but I appreciated the rest because I haven’t rested in a while. In a way, the injury was a blessing – it helped put things into perspective and reminded me that rest is also part of success. I believe I’ll come back stronger and fitter.”

The Cheetahs will kick off their SA Cup campaign against Boland on Friday, 6 March, at Toyota Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs