Both sides will be desperate to notch up their first victory of the campaign after a bruising opening weekend. The Leopards were handed a harsh reality check in Kimberley, suffering a 101–7 defeat against the defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas. 

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs also endured a frustrating start when they went down 34–24 to the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein, despite staging a spirited comeback after trailing 24–0 inside the opening 25 minutes.

There is little doubt that the Cheetahs will arrive in Potchefstroom as firm favourites, and for the youthful North West outfit it promises to be a stern test against one of the country’s bigger unions.

Alistair O'Brien. Photo: Morgan Piek

In Kimberley, the Leopards conceded 15 tries against a well-drilled Griquas side. Much of the damage came from being outmuscled up front by an experienced pack, while a handful of costly errors allowed the hosts to capitalise ruthlessly. 

That said, the Leopards did show flashes of promise – moments that hinted at what the side is capable of when they settle into their structures.

For the Potchefstroom-based outfit, the challenge now lies in handling the relentless pressure and intensity that comes with facing top-tier opposition – something they don’t experience regularly in the Currie Cup first division.

The Cheetahs, on the other hand, will be determined to fix their slow start against Boland. Expect them to arrive with greater urgency on Friday night, looking to strike the right balance between clinical execution and giving opportunities to a few new faces in the squad.

History also favours the men from Bloemfontein. The last time the Cheetahs travelled to Potchefstroom in the SA Cup – in 2024 – they powered to a 76–5 victory. A year later, they went one better in Bloemfontein, claiming a commanding 69–0 win, with scrumhalf Jandré Nel crossing the whitewash four times.

Leopards head coach Riaan van Straten told OFM Sport he knows his side faces a daunting task, but he believes the occasion itself is something the team must embrace.

The tighthead prop Munashe Mhere charging for the Leopards. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The Battle of the Cats is a big one for us – probably the biggest game we have this year. One of the big unions is coming to our home ground, and there’s a lot at stake. For us, it’s about putting pride back into the Leopards jersey,” said Van Straten.

“I know the people of Potchefstroom and the North West support the Leopards passionately. It’s not only about winning or losing – it’s about how the Leopards play the game.

“It’s a massive week for us. We’ll have to manage the bodies a bit, but by the grace of God, we don’t have any serious injuries, which is something we’re really grateful for. It shows that the pre-season work we’ve done has paid off.

Prince Nkabinde scored the Cheetahs’ first try against Boland. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The Battle of the Cats will be huge. We also know the Cheetahs will be fired up after their loss to Boland, so it’s going to be one heck of a match. But we’re ready, and we’re waiting for them.”

The Leopards may also draw some inspiration from the North West University Eagles, who pulled off an impressive 45–31 win over the University of the Free State Shimlas in Bloemfontein on Monday night in the Varsity Cup.

Friday night’s Battle of the Big Cats at the iconic Olën Park kicks off at 18:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm