The 28-year-old lasted just 25 minutes of the Cheetahs’ commanding 43-21 bonus-point win before being helped from the field after suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

It is another cruel blow for Hartzenberg, whose career has been plagued by injuries since joining the Cheetahs from Suzuki Griquas in 2022. He spent almost the entire 2025 season on the sidelines before making a carefully managed return during this year’s SA Cup campaign.

The versatile midfielder had only recently rediscovered his best form with his return. In June, he celebrated his 50th appearance for the Cheetahs in their 47-31 Toyota Challenge victory over Georgia’s Black Lion, marking the milestone with two tries in a memorable performance.

Friday’s injury occurred after a bone-rattling tackle by the Sharks outside centre Marnus Potgieter. While Potgieter completed the tackle, Hartzenberg appeared to injure his knee in the process, immediately raising alarm bells in the Cheetahs camp.

Zander du Plessis. Photo: Morgan Piek

The full extent of the injury will only become clear after scans early this week, but there are fears he could face another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn admitted afterwards Hartzenberg’s injury overshadowed an otherwise memorable evening for his side.

“We simply have to improve in every facet of our game,” said Steyn.

“I think our standards need to be higher. It’s great to win by a big margin, and everyone is happy.”

Munier Hartzenberg receiving medical attention before being carted off the field. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It was a big night for Blommetjies, and I’m really pleased for him, but as I’ve said, if we want to keep winning, we have to be a lot better.

“As for Munier Hartzenberg, I don’t know what’s going to happen. He’s had a few serious injuries over the past couple of years, and I’m concerned about him.

“That’s my biggest concern at the moment. I don’t know exactly what’s going on with his knee, so I can’t comment any further.”

Simon Miller made his Cheetahs debut against his former team. Photo: Morgan Piek

Should Hartzenberg be ruled out, Steyn will have a selection headache ahead of Friday night’s derby against the defending Currie Cup champions, Suzuki Griquas, in Kimberley.

Marco Janse van Vuren, who replaced Hartzenberg against the Sharks, is the leading candidate to partner Zander du Plessis in midfield. It would, however, be a stern examination against one of the strongest centre pairings in the competition.

Despite the concern surrounding Hartzenberg, Steyn believes there were encouraging signs elsewhere, particularly with experienced forwards beginning to return from injury.

“On the positive side, it was good to see Simon Miller back on the field today,” said Steyn.

“Pierre Uys (back injury) should be back in about two weeks, and Siya Ningiza (achilles tendon injury) should also be fit again in around two weeks.

“The guys are starting to return, so we’re looking forward to seeing how things develop from here.”

The Cheetahs will now shift their focus to what promises to be one of the biggest fixtures of the early Currie Cup season when they face Griquas at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Friday. Kick-off is at 19:00.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg