Ebersohn joined the Cheetahs straight after school and made his debut in 2008 at the age of 19 against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. “I still remember my first game. Meyer Bosman went off the field for blood, and I came on for 5 minutes,” Robert recalls.

Robert earned 72 caps for the Free State side and was captain in 10 games before he moved to France in 2013, where he played 54 games for Montpellier, 97 for Castres, and 24 for Beziers.

He returned to South Africa in 2021 and played 27 games for the Toyota Cheetahs (6 x Toyota Challenge, 4 x EPCR Challenge Cup and 17 x Currie Cup), bringing his total to 99.

During the Cheetahs media conference, Ebersohn shared how privileged he is to have accomplished this milestone.

“I enjoy being here at the Cheetahs. I enjoy the games and even training sessions during the week, where we have fun and make a joke with friends. Some memories stand out, but rugby has been a big part of my life.”

“I’m very honoured and excited to reach this milestone and to be able to share this with my family. For me, it’s just a special moment. It’s like a childhood dream come true.”

Ebersohn shares how he always knew that one day, he would reach this stage in his career.

“I still remember the day when my dad took me and my twin brother, Sias, to the stadium to watch our first Cheetah game. Playing 100 caps for the Toyota Cheetahs in Toyota Stadium is special to me.”

“It’s been a long career - 15 years! When I started in 2008, I left in 2013 and came back two years ago, so it has been a while. I will always play to win.” Robert Ebersohn concluded.

Robert Ebersohn was the captain of the SA u.20 side and represented the Junior Springboks in 10 matches in 2008 and 2009. He played in 11 tournaments for the Blitzboks between 2008 and 2012 the Blitzboks.

Robert played in 59 games for the Central Cheetahs. The Central Cheetahs was a franchise comprising of the Free State Cheetahs, Griffons and Griquas.

The Cheetahs captain and lock Victor Sekekete is set to play his 50th game on Saturday against  Western Province.

Sekekete joined the Cheetahs in 2020 from Griquas and has played 49 matches for the Bloemfontein side since then.

Seketekete shares his gratitude for this milestone with the Cheetahs. “I feel blessed and honoured to have the privilege to be playing my 50th for the Cheetahs.

“It’s been a good and hard 2-3 years with me playing rugby in the Free State. There have been some tough memories, and to get 50 caps for the Cheetahs means a lot.”

Sekekete appreciates all the support he has been getting from the coaches and the players.

He has been a regular starting team member for the past two seasons and recently received the Cheetahs Forward for the 2022 Currie Cup season.

Sekekete takes us through his journey and what keeps him motivated.

“I’ve had a pretty rough journey, to say the least, but my reason is very personal, so I think that’s why I get to know how to keep myself motivated at times because I know why I want to achieve a lot and I know why I want to achieve more.

“So, it goes without saying that at some point, if you keep on putting in the hard work, you have to reap the rewards. For me, throughout my journey, it’s been about patience. It’s all been about keeping on working hard, doing your thing, and remembering why you want to play and what you are playing for.”

Sekekete, who played for the Junior Springboks in 2014, also represented the Lions and the Southern Kings.

“My family has been a big part of that, and it keeps growing. It’s good to say that my heart is full that I’ll be playing my 50th game for the Cheetahs, and the hard work doesn’t stop now. There’s more to come, and there’s more to work hard for, so I’m looking forward to the future and see what the future holds for me,” Toyota Cheetahs Captain Victor Sekekete concludes

Victor Sekekete’s stats since he joined the Toyota Cheetahs in 2020:

Currie Cup: 35 games, Franchise Cup 2021: 3 games, Toyota Challenge: 7 games, EPCR CC: 5 games.