A victory on the East Rand would take the Cheetahs a significant step closer to the semi-finals of the SA Cup - and, crucially, qualification for the Currie Cup Premier Division.

There’s still plenty of work to be done, though. Wins this weekend against the Valke and next week against the Border Bulldogs in East London are essential if the Bloemfontein outfit want to secure a top-four finish. A final-round victory at home against the Suzuki Griquas would further strengthen their position.

With the competition heading into the business end, the Cheetahs are walking a tightrope - balancing smart player management with the need to field a competitive side every week in their push for the playoffs.

Their fighting 26-17 comeback win in George last weekend - after trailing 12–5 at half-time - has injected fresh belief into the squad. More importantly, it showed a team willing to dig deep and stay in the contest for the full 80 minutes.

“Travel is a factor, especially with the bus trip down to George, so it’s about managing the squad well and making sure the players are fresh for Saturday,” said Steyn.

Marco Jansen van Vuren during the 59-17 win against the Valke in 2025. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Backing up last week’s performance won’t be easy, but we want to be a team that delivers every week.

“There’s always a plan in place, even if it doesn’t always look like it, and this is a good test for us to see if we can maintain that consistency.”

Steyn added that the team’s improved composure under pressure has been particularly encouraging, with the bench making a telling impact in recent outings - a clear sign of growing depth in the squad.

“The biggest positive for me was how the team responded under pressure. In the past, when things didn’t go our way, we tended to fade, but this time the players stuck to the plan and really fronted up, especially in the final 20 minutes,” the two-time Rugby World Cup winner said.

John Kelly Okonkwo in action against the Griffons. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The impact off the bench was massive, with Duxy, JK and Sisonke bringing a different energy.

“We’ll need that and more this week - we want to keep improving and ultimately dominate teams in South Africa, although we know there’s still a long way to go.”

There will be a few changes to the side that beat SWD, with some players set to be rested, while regular captain Chucky van der Westhuizen returns following the birth of his second child.

Saturday’s clash at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  cvdw