There are sweeping changes to the side, with 11 alterations to the starting XV that went down 34–24 to the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein a week ago. Only Aranos Coetzee, Gideon van der Merwe, Michael Annies, and Munier Hartzenberg retain their places in the run-on team, although Hartzenberg does shift position.

Live-wire flanker Ramon Uys has been named in the number six jersey and will make his official Cheetahs debut. The younger brother of Pierre Uys impressed in the warm-up match against the Griffons rugby team and now gets his first opportunity at the senior level.

The other debutant is hooker Juan Smal, who has been named among the replacements. The former Junior Springbok and Bulls under-20 captain joined the Cheetahs in the off-season and will be eager to make an impact from the bench.

Jooste Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Victor Sekekete returns to captain the side at lock after missing the clash against Boland.

In the backline, Jandré Nel and George Lourens combine as the halfback pairing. Nel enjoyed a memorable outing against the Leopards last year in Bloemfontein when he crossed for four tries during a 69–0 win.

The recently married Jooste Nel lines up in midfield alongside Hartzenberg, while Annies and Cohen Jasper start on the wings. Clayton Blommetjies provides experience at fullback as the last line of defence.

On the bench, one of the more notable inclusions is Ntokozo Makhaza, who has enjoyed limited game time since joining the Cheetahs from the UCT Ikey Tigers at the conclusion of the 2025 Varsity Cup.

Forwards coach Tiaan Liebenberg told OFM Sport it’s important to reward players with opportunities after putting in the hard yards on the training field.

“I definitely think it’s an opportunity for guys to be rewarded for the hard work they’ve been putting in,” said Liebenberg.

Banie Britz scoring a try against the Leopards in 2025. Photo: Morgan Piek

“As I mentioned before, we want to be known as the team that works the hardest, and there are a lot of players putting their hands up with the effort they’re showing.

“We’d like to give some of them the opportunity to show what they can do on the field as well, not just on the training ground.”

Liebenberg added there is enough experience in the squad for the younger players to learn from the senior campaigners.

Smiley Nel scored four tries against the Leopards in Bloemfontein in 2025. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I always joke that I’m not short of experienced players in the pack – and it makes it easier to give a young guy an opportunity when you have players like Victor Sekekete, Pieter Janse van Vuren, Marko Janse van Rensburg, and Aranos Coetzee around them.

“When the team is announced, you’ll see it’s not just a case of throwing in young players – there’s a plan.

“It’s about balancing experience with one or two less experienced guys so they have the right support around them if needed, and we’re really excited about the group we’ve selected.”

Ntokozo Makhaza will make his SA Cup debut for the Cheetahs. Photo: Morgan Piek

Friday’s match at Olën Park in Potchefstroom kicks off at 18:30.

Leopards – 15 Noegh Hayward, 14 Sino Tshontyi, 13 Brandon Keevy, 12 Bryan Breda, 11 Naiden Jaarts, 10 Shaun Baxter, 9 Daimon O’Connell, 8 Adri Kermis, 7 Ghudian van Reenen, 6 Armin Posthumus, 5 Mncedisi Dlwengu, 4 Babalo Makana, 3 Werner Geldenhuys, 2 Jason Alexander (captain), 1 Tatenda Chayayi

Replacements – 16 Liyema Mgwigwi, 17 Munashe Mhere, 18 Sephekahle Dube, 19 Stephen Taylor, 20 Divan Pieters, 21 Hlumelo Ndudula, 22 Jandré Burger, 23 Zachery Bester

Cheetahs – 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Michael Annies, 10 George Lourens, 9 Jandré Nel, 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Neels Volschenk, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pieter Janse van Vuren, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Niewoudt

Replacements – 16 Juan Smal, 17 Frankie Dos Reis, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Curly Thomas, 20 Mihali Mosi, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Banie Britz, 23 Ntokozo Makhaza

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm