The former Maties standout went under the knife on Tuesday after injuring his right knee during the Cheetahs’ 43-21 Currie Cup victory over the Sharks at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday. Hartzenberg was forced from the field just 25 minutes into the match after taking a heavy hit in a tackle. 

Although the exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed, the recovery timeline is expected to keep him out of action for around nine months.

Munier Hartzenberg is set for nine months on the sidelines. Photo: Morgan Piek

It is another cruel setback for one of the Cheetahs’ most consistent performers. Hartzenberg endured an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, spending almost the entire season on the sidelines. 

Every time he looked set to return, another setback delayed his comeback. His recent return had been one of the team’s feel-good stories. 

Earlier this month he celebrated his 50th appearance for the Cheetahs in style by scoring two tries against Georgia’s Black Lion during the final Bloemfontein leg of the Toyota Challenge. Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn admitted losing Hartzenberg is a significant blow, but believes the squad has enough depth to cope.

“He’s going to have an operation today (Tuesday) somewhere. I think it depends on how the thing goes, but it’s going to be nine months or so, so it’s going to be long,” Steyn told OFM Sport.

Steyn pointed to the available options in midfield, including Carel-Jan “Skolie” Coetzee, Jooste Nel and De-an Ackermann.

“Look, we still have Skolie (Carel-Jan Coetzee) and Jooste Nel as well; we’ve got a couple of guys. We’ve got De-an Ackermann as well, so we have a few, but definitely Munier will be missed.

Carel-Jan Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

“He’s a key guy in the backline at the moment, but in saying that, it’s an opportunity for somebody else to put their hand up and show why they’re a Cheetah.”

The Cheetahs now turn their attention to one of the toughest assignments on the domestic calendar when they travel to Kimberley on Friday to face the defending Currie Cup champions, the Suzuki Griquas.

The hosts head into the derby brimming with confidence after thumping the Bulls 56-26 last week, while the Cheetahs will be chasing a third consecutive victory.

Jooste Nel. Photo: Morgan Piek

Steyn acknowledged the size of the challenge but insisted his side must trust the work they have done.

“There is opportunity for us. In saying that, we need to get all of our people on the same page and to a level that will help us out going forward as well. Like I said, I think it’s going to be tough, but I think there’s opportunity for us as well.

“You have video analysis these days and all of that, so, like I said earlier as well, we’ve got a plan and hopefully our plan works.”

De-An Ackermann. Photo: Morgan Piek

Friday night’s clash at the Suzuki Stadium will also be played for the OFM Cup Challenge, adding even more intensity to one of South African rugby’s fiercest regional rivalries.

Kick-off in Kimberley is at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh