The Cheetahs take on the Pumas in Bloemfontein in round three of the SA Cup, with the veteran front-rower - who celebrated his 38th birthday on Saturday - set to lead the side onto the park.

Of the approximately 1,800 players to have represented the Free State in the past, less than ten have achieved the remarkable milestone.

Aranos Coetzee warming-up before the 64-7 win against the Leopards - Morgan Piek

Coetzee joined the Cheetahs from Brive in France back in 2016, and over the past decade has become synonymous with commitment and consistency in the orange jersey.

The powerful prop began his professional career with the Leopards in Potchefstroom before heading overseas to represent Racing 92. From there, he moved to Brive before linking up with the Cheetahs. A few years later, he also spent time in England with Bath on loan in the English Premiership.

A product of Hoër Landbouskool Boland in Paarl, Coetzee represented South Africa at U18 level before opting to play for his country of birth, Namibia. He has since become a seasoned campaigner, featuring in three Rugby World Cups for the Welwitschias.

Cheetahs captain and fellow Namibian international, Chucky van der Westhuizen, has followed a similar path, having also turned out for the Leopards earlier in his career.

Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that Coetzee is not only a special player, but an even more special person.

“Massive moment for him. I’ve been playing for about 10 years now, and this is my 11th season alongside Aranos,” said the Namibian hooker and captain.

“He’s such a special guy - you really have to know him. He can be difficult at times, but that’s part of what makes him who he is.

Aranos Coetzee gunning for the tryline at Olën Park where his pro career began - Morgan Piek

“I’m just really happy for him, especially reaching 150 here at the stadium.”

With Coetzee approaching the twilight of his career, his experience has become invaluable to a relatively young Cheetahs front row, with none of the other props over the age of 30. Head coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport they intend to tap into every bit of that knowledge while they still can, particularly for the likes of Ben Pitout, Dux Manyama and Tielman Nieuwoudt.

“Look, we need to make the most of him while we still can,” said Steyn, who previously played alongside Coetzee in France.

“I don’t know how long ‘Nos’ will keep playing, but we’re going to take as much as we can from his experience.

Aranos Coetzee never shies away from putting in a big hit - Morgan Piek

“I met him at Racing when I was 21, so I’ve known him for a long time. I’m really happy for him, and for the Cheetahs too - he’s given so much to this union and has stayed through it all.

“When pay cuts came, he stayed. He’s a massive example. He needs to pass on that knowledge to the younger guys, and that’s the kind of character we want in the Free State - players who want to live here, stay in Bloemfontein, and build their families here.

“He’s been a huge figure for Free State rugby.”

Friday night’s crunch SA Cup clash between the Cheetahs and the Pumas at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport