The exciting loose-forward, Neel Volschenk, is eager to prove himself when he makes his Toyota Cheetahs debut against the Valke in the SA Cup.

Volschenk will start the match in Kempton Park at 8th-man, while Gideon van der Merwe and Sibabalo Qoma will play at flank. Van der Merwe makes a welcome return after missing the game against the SWD Eagles last week due to an injury.

Volschenk is still waiting for a contract with the Cheetahs and he said his debut on Saturday is a very big deal to him.

“It's extremely important – I want to make my mark and establish a place in the side and use this opportunity by grabbing it with both hands,” said Volschenk.

“I'm playing with guys that I have watched since I was a schoolboy. I want to earn a contract at the Cheetahs and play my way into the team.

“It's extremely important to me and with that being said, I'm still really looking forward to it and I'm very excited.”

Meanwhile, Munier Hartzenberg and Andell Loubser will once again form the centre combination while George Lourens has been named at flyhalf again.

Upfront, the Scarlets-bound Marnus van der Merwe is also fit again and he makes his return as the starting hooker.

Saturday’s game at the Barnard Stadium kicks off at 15:00. At the same time, the Leopards will tackle the Boland Cavaliers in Leeudoringstad.

Cheetahs – 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 S'bu Nkosi, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Andell Loubser, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 George Lourens, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Neels Volschenk, 7 Sibabalo Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Lewis Jones, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements – 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Justin Forwood, 19 Tristan Davies, 20 Sisonke Vumazonke, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Abner van Reenen, 23 Rethabile Mzamo

Morgan Piek OFM Sport