De Klerk has been named in the starting XV for the clash against his former team, with the Lions arriving as the 2025 Currie Cup runners-up.

The 34-year-old is one of two players set to make their Cheetahs debuts, alongside former Maties standout Simon Miller, who has been named on the bench.

Faf de Klerk. Photo: Morgan Piek

Miller, who can cover both lock and the loose forwards, built a strong reputation during his Varsity Cup career and will provide valuable versatility among the replacements.

Clayton Blommetjies starts at fullback, with Cohen Jasper and Michael Annies on the wings. Munier Hartzenberg and Zander du Plessis form the midfield pairing, while Jaco van der Walt wears the No. 10 jersey and combines with De Klerk in an exciting halfback partnership.

Neels Volschenk captains the side from the back of the scrum, with Juan Venter and Ramon Uys completing the loose trio.

Victor Sekekete and Carl Wegner pack down in the second-row, while Marko Janse van Rensburg starts at hooker with Chucky van der Westhuizen sidelined through injury. Aranos Coetzee and Tielman Niewoudt complete the front row.

Among the replacements, tighthead prop Frankie Dos Reis returns from injury, Ethan Wentzel provides cover at flyhalf and fullback, while Prince Nkabinde is expected to add pace and physicality when called upon.

Speaking about his move to the Cheetahs, De Klerk admitted it all started with a simple suggestion from his wife.

Simon Miller. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We were sitting at Spur in Postmasburg when my wife mentioned, ‘What about the Cheetahs?’,” said De Klerk.

“Right away I phoned Frans (Steyn) and asked if there was space for me, if he needed me or wanted me. We made the transition, and everything just fell into place.

“It’s so convenient. My wife went to school here at Eunice, and both my daughters were born in Bloemfontein. We’ve spent a lot of time in Bloem over the last six or seven years, so it just felt right from the beginning.

“It was a smooth transition to come here and work with guys I’ve played with who are now coaches. It’s exciting to see what they can do and how we’re trying to move the club forward.

“It’s something really special, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Volschenk in turn told OFM Sport opening the campaign against the Lions provides the perfect benchmark for where the team is at.

“It doesn’t matter which team the Lions select – they are talented players with good coaches.

Neels Volschenk. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s a good opportunity to measure ourselves against the Lions in the opening game of the season.

“We’ll have to play good rugby to get a positive result.”

Sunday’s Currie Cup opener at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 13:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Neels Volschenk (captain), 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt

Replacements - 16 Juan Smal, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Simon Miller, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Ethan Wentzel, 23 Prince Nkabinde

Lions - TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvdw