The Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd will be in the hunt for a new CEO as Ross van Reenen’s tenure will conclude at the end of November 2024.

Free State Rugby and Van Reenen will part ways following a tenure marked by notable challenges but also marked achievements for the Cheetahs franchise over the past three years.

Van Reenen took over the reins of the franchise in December 2021, and there were some challenges along the way. During his tenure, the Cheetahs did manage to reach two Currie Cup finals and won the title for a seventh time in 2023.

 ‘An acting CEO will be appointed until a suitable replacement can be found’

In addition, the Cheetahs entered the EPCR Challenge Cup, and in both previous years managed to reach the knockout rounds. He also managed to secure the team’s participation for the next two years.

Free State Rugby also hosted two highly successful Tests with the Springboks playing against Wales in 2022, while in 2024 they faced Portugal in an historic Test.

Chairman of the Board, Ryno Opperman, said an acting CEO will be appointed until a suitable replacement for Van Reenen can be found.

‘Cheetah supporters can look forward to interesting developments’

“The journey over the last couple of years has been taxing, to say the least,” said Opperman. “We are, however, really excited about what the future holds. The Board of Directors will appoint an acting CEO from its own ranks in the interim and commence with a process to fill the position early in the new year.

“A lot of the plans that have been in the pipeline for a while are starting to fall into place. The Cheetah supporters can look forward to interesting developments in the new year.”

In December the Cheetahs will be playing in the EPCR Challenge Cup for a third year.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh