The 34-year-old will play an important role this season following the departure of Vernon Paulo to the Stormers. While Chucky van der Westhuizen remains first choice in the No. 2 jersey, Janse van Rensburg provides invaluable depth and experience – and remains more than capable of starting when called upon.

The former Maties front-rower is one of three players to extend their stay in Bloemfontein, alongside loose-forward Sisonke Vumazonke and exciting young loosehead prop Dux Manyama.

Marko Janse van Rensburg against the Lions in the 2025 Currie Cup - Morgan Piek

The Vanderbijlpark-born hooker told OFM Sport that staying on in the City of Roses was an absolute no-brainer.

“It was definitely an easy decision – when Frans Steyn asked me to stay on, I felt really privileged,” said Janse van Rensburg.

“My family is settled and we absolutely love Bloemfontein, so moving now just doesn’t make sense.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the Cheetahs – it’s going on four years now, so let’s make it five.”

Looking to the future, the Cheetahs recently added Junior Springbok and former Bulls U20 captain Juan Smal to their ranks as a long-term prospect, while Shimlas hooker Vice Hofmeyr will join the squad at the conclusion of the Varsity Cup.

Janse van Rensburg is excited by what he has already seen from Smal, despite the youngster not yet having made his senior debut for the Cheetahs. He added that being able to mentor a player of Smal’s calibre is a privilege in itself.

“Juan has a very good future ahead of him – he’s got excellent skills, a strong scrummage and he’s very good in the lineout,” he said.

Marko Janse van Rensburg, Victor Sekekete, and Ali Mgijima celebrate his try against the Lions  - Morgan Piek

“It’s a great opportunity for myself and Chucky to take him under our wing. He hasn’t played a lot of senior rugby yet, but we’re really looking forward to seeing him grow.”

With just under three weeks to go before their SA Cup opener against Boland – and a warm-up clash against Eastern Province in Cradock next week – Janse van Rensburg is relishing the prospect of facing his former team in the opening round in Bloemfontein.

“We’re definitely looking forward to it and to welcoming them here,” he said of the team where his professional career began.

Marko Janse van Rensburg is somewhat of the try-scoring machine for the Cheetahs - Morgan Piek

“The last time we played them at Boland Park on a Sunday afternoon it was really tough – about 12,000 spectators and a fantastic vibe.

“There’s also a bit of personal history with coach Hawies Fourie and coach Charl Strydom coming back after spending time here.

“We’re excited to see what they’ve worked on in pre-season and how they’ve grown as a team, but we’ve grown as well, so it should be a great contest.”

The Cheetahs’ SA Cup campaign kicks off on 6 March when they host the Cavaliers at Toyota Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport