The Toyota Cheetahs and Zimbabwean international fullback, Tapiwa Mafura, will also be playing in his last game for the Free State on Friday evening in Bloemfontein.

Mafura will get one last run for the Cheetahs when they face the Griquas in their last match of the SA Cup.

The fleet-footed outside back has been contracted by the Lions and while his contract only expires later in the year, he is being released early to play for the Johannesburg-based team in the Currie Cup.

Mafura told OFM Sport that he wants to leave Bloemfontein on a high and on a personal level it will be a special farewell match for him.

“I’ve definitely enjoyed my second spell with the Cheetahs,” said Mafura.

“I got a lot more game time than I ever did during my first time around in Bloemfontein. It's going to be a special game for me and a special moment for my family as well.

“My daughter is going to be at the game for the first time watching me play, so really special and I can't wait for her to experience that.

“The Griquas are definitely going to be prepared for the game and they are going to come at us.”

Meanwhile, the in-form and speedy Lions winger, Edwill van der Merwe, who previously played for Maties, told OFM Sport that it would be great to play with his old foe, Mafura.

“He is a very exciting player and as you mentioned we played against each other a lot in the Varsity Cup,” said Van der Merwe.

“He was always one of the guys the coached mentioned we have to look out for. It's going to be very exciting to have him in the group and I also look forward to playing with him as well.”

On Friday night, the super experienced Ruan Pienaar, is going to play in his last game before returning from the sport. A few other players will also be greeting the Cheetahs and won’t be in action for them again, at least for the foreseeable future.

Friday’s SA Cup derby at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport