The Toyota Cheetahs want to give the winger Daniel Kasende a proper send-off by defending their Currie Cup title.

Kasende is set to return to Wales where he will link up with the Ospreys on a permanent deal later in the season. Last year the player was at the Welsh club on a short-term loan deal and did enough to impress Toby Booth.

The Cheetah’s Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, told OFM Sport that Kasende played his part in the team. “I had this conversation with him a long time ago, just when I got into the job. He’s been searching for a place to go overseas,” said Steyn.

“He speaks French fluently and he wanted to go to France first. For me, you can’t keep a player here who really wants to explore the world for a bit. He’s done his bit for the Cheetahs. He’s been awesome for us and like you said, when he’s not playing, there’s a massive gap. 

“So our problem comes in, we have to find somebody that fits that mold and there's no gap when he’s gone. We’ve still got a couple of months.

“Hopefully we can send him off on a high note with another Currie Cup title, but I really wish him all the best.

Steyn added that should they find a permanent international competition to play. Kasende will always be welcome to return to Bloemfontein.

“The other thing is that we don’t have a big competition to play in, so to keep him here is difficult. But if we get a competition and he wants to come back, these doors are always open for him. I think everybody here loves him, what he brings to the team, what he brings on the field. He’s a true Free State wing and he is fast as well. So, good luck to Dan!”

Meanwhile, on Saturday at 17:00, the Cheetahs will tackle the Lions at the Toyota Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg