The Toyota Cheetahs coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, believes the onus is on his players to fill the void left by Ruan Pienaar in the team.

The 40-year-old Pienaar retired as a player following their match against the Griquas in the Currie Cup, and he has left a big pair of boots to fill.

As a player Pienaar played mainly at scrumhalf and flyhalf for the Cheetahs, but he also had a big leadership role.

Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport it’s not easy to replace a player of Pienaar’s calibre.

“Ruan left a big void and it's not something that you just fill overnight,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“It does give the opportunity for some of the younger guys to step up now and take that position and take that responsibility.

“So I'm excited to see who's going to step up and own that position, if I want to say it like that.

“It’s also the leadership role that he had. I mean, with Vic, we've got a good captain. I think the guys assisting him I'm looking forward to seeing that.”

Regarding the leadership of the team to assist Sekekete, Van der Westhuizen, confirmed that the centre, Ali Mgijima, returns from a long injury lay-off and he will enjoy a senior role against the Griffons.

“There are guys like Ali Mgijima, who will be the vice-captain on the weekend,” Van der Westhuizen added.

“He is one of the guys that were on that big injury list that we had and I'm excited to see him back on the field.

“He is a very exciting with ball in hand and very physical on the defence, so, definitely happy to have him back.”

On Saturday at 13:55 the Cheetahs will begin their Currie Cup title defence when they face the Griffons at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport