Van der Merwe who joined the Cheetahs in November 2021 from the Griquas was named at the Player of the Year following an outstanding season. Unfortunately, the hard-grafting player injured his ACL during the captain’s run ahead of the Currie Cup semi-final against the Pumas.

In addition, Van der Merwe was also named as the Player’s Player of the Year.

In the 14 games that Van der Merwe played for the Cheetahs in 2022, he crossed the tryline on no less than eight occasions.

Van der Merwe is expected to make his return to the training field in early 2023, and at this stage it is set to miss the Cheetahs return to international competitions when they play in the European Challenge Cup from December.

Other winners on the night included the scrumhalf Rewan Kruger, the lock Victor Sekekete, the captain Ruan Pienaar and the hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen.

Kruger, who played in 11 of the Cheetahs 13 matches in the Currie Cup received the accolade for the Most Improved Player of the Year.

Sekekete who joined the Cheetahs in 2021 was named at the Forward of the Year and he played in all 13 matches in their 2022 campaign.

The seasoned Springbok scrumhalf, Ruan Pienaar, received the accolade for the Backline Player of the year.

The Namibian international hooker, Chucky van der Westhuizen, was named as the Cheetahs Team Man of the Year. This accolade was voted for by his teammates and this was in recognition for his contribution to the team, both on and off the field.

Full list of winners:

Cheetahs Fans’ Favourite – Cohen Jasper

Most Improved Player of the Year – Rewan Kruger

Currie Cup Forward of the Year – Victor Sekekete

Currie Cup Backline Player of the Year – Ruan Pienaar

Team Man of the Year – Chucky van der Westhuizen

Player’s Player of the Year – Gideon van der Merwe

Player of the Year – Gideon van der Merwe

Morgan Piek OFM Sport