The star winger of the University of Johannesburg, Prince Nkabinde, is excited and ready to make Bloemfontein his home.

Nkabinde has previously represented the Griquas as well as the Lions in a handful of Currie Cup games, but his performance in the Varsity Cup has caught the attention of the Toyota Cheetahs.

Nkabinde told OFM Sport that he looks forward to the chance being afforded to him.

“Yes, I'm quite excited and I will be joining the Cheetahs in about two weeks’ time,” said Nkabinde.

“I'm really excited for yet another opportunity. It's a blessing for me and I'm really grateful to get another shot at professional rugby and hopefully I can further my career at that side.”

In addition to Nkabinde reporting for duty at the Cheetahs, the former captain Aidon Davis, will make a return following a two-year spell at the Exeter Chiefs in England, while the former Griquas captain and lock, Pieter Janse van Vuren, will head to Bloemfontein after plying his trade in France.

On the weekend the Cheetahs greeted four players with Tapiwa Mafura and Sibabalo Qoma heading to the Lions, while the loosehead prop Alulutho Tshakweni will be heading to the Bulls.

The 40-year-old Ruan Pienaar in turn has officially retired as a player and he will now focus on coaching. The lock Rynier Bernardo has since also called it a day following an injury.

By the time the Currie Cup kicks off the Cheetahs will have most of their injured players back in action and they include the likes of the tighthead prop, Hencus van Wyk, centre/flyhalf Reinhardt Fortuin and centre, Ali Mgijima.

Meanwhile, it is believed that two former Cheetahs centres are in talks with the team regarding a possible return to Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport