The exciting loose-forward Neel Volschenk is set to make his Toyota Cheetahs debut on the weekend against the SA Cup round seven game against the Valke in Kempton Park.

Volschenk is one of a handful of Shimlas Varsity Cup winners that has been training with the team, but he is set to start at what appears to be 8th-man.

The Shimlas flyhalf, Ethan Wentzel, will be traveling to Kempton Park with the team, but he will travel as player number 25 in case someone gets injured or walls ill before the game.

The Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs, Frans Steyn, said this is an opportunity for the rookies.

“The energy they have brought to the training is already immense for us, said Steyn.

“I can't say that we've been on a low or whatever, but trying to get energy from the EPCR Challenge Cup to the SA Cup has been difficult for us.

“I just hope that they will use the opportunities that are being given to them and show the world what the Free State is all about.”

Meanwhile, the fleet-footed outside back James Verity-Amm is set to be out for a lengthy period after undergoing surgery for a very serious knee injury. The Cheetahs had quite a few players back from injury, but others such as Verity-Amm sustained injuries on the weekend in George against the SWD Eagles.

Saturday’s game at the Barnard Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport