The Cheetahs started training again on Tuesday morning after a week-long break from team activities.

The Sharks fullback, Rhyno Smith, reported for duty at the Cheetahs on a loan deal which will see him representing side until at least the end of December. Smith has the option to renew his stay at the Cheetahs.

As it stands, the former Leopards and North West University Pukke player has enjoyed very limited game time in Durban, and this may be a factor in him deciding to extend his stay in Bloemfontein.

Smith has one of the best highballs in the game and this will be valuable to the Cheetahs arsenal, especially in Europe. The Paarl Boys’ High old boy is equally comfortable at fullback or flyhalf, and has plenty of gas and is dangerous on the wing.

The former Tafel Lager Griquas lock, Sintu Manjezi, has signed a two-year deal at the Cheetahs and made the move from Kimberley this week after the Peacock Blues Currie Cup campaign ended on Saturday.

The 23-year0old second-rower can also play on the side of the scrum, and proved to be one of the Griquas most valuable players during his stay there.

A third player, Tapiwe Mafura, of the Leopards, will be reporting for duty at the Cheetahs in November.

Mafura, was one of the stars of the 2018 Varsity Cup and was largely instrumental in leading the North West University Pukke to the final in Stellenbosch.

While Mafura is contracted to the Leopards until the end of October, he may be released a few weeks earlier after their 1st Division campaign ended last week.

Mafura will no doubt add a lot of depth to the outside backs as he is equally dangerous in the final line of defence, or on the wing. He has also been contracted to the Cheetahs for two-years.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport