Manyama has been included in the touring squad for the EPCR Challenge Cup games against Zebre of Italy and Lyon of France, replacing the injured veteran Schalk Ferreira.

Manyama, who joined the Cheetahs from the North West University Eagles, made his debut during the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein last year. In 2024, he excelled for the Potchefstroom-based team in the Varsity Cup, bringing energy and tenacity to the field, particularly with his strong defensive efforts.

Although Manyama has already played one game for the Cheetahs, his call-up was necessitated by a string of injuries in the front row. Ferreira, whom he replaced, has been a standout player in the Challenge Cup, especially during the game against Perpignan in Amsterdam, where he delivered a dominant performance in the scrum.

On Monday, during training, the 40-year-old Ferreira tweaked his hamstring. Initially, it was hoped to be minor cramping caused by the searing Bloemfontein heat. Unfortunately, other injuries have compounded the Cheetahs’ challenges in the front row.

Schalk Ferreira. Photo: Morgan Piek

Robert Hunt sustained a calf injury during Friday’s training session, and Cameron Dawson, who turned 25 on Monday, is still recovering from a grade 3 calf strain. Dawson is expected to return in about six weeks.

Additionally, Banele Mthenjane is recovering from a hamstring injury but has shown progress by running during training sessions.

Manyama, affectionately known as Dux, shared his excitement with OFM Sport.

“I am absolutely excited – you know, it’s basically my first stretch in a professional setup, so every opportunity that comes my way, I have to grab with both hands and honestly, I can't wait,” said the player.

Matome Manyama in action for the NWU Eagles in the Varsity Cup. Photo: Varsity Cup

“It’s quite unfortunate for Schalk, but as you said, when someone gets injured, someone else has to step in and do the job. Besides that, I’m just bursting with excitement. I just can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs will arrive in the Netherlands on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s game against Zebre in Amsterdam. The match, hosted at the National Rugby Centre Amsterdam, will kick off at 15:00.

Cheetahs Touring Squad:

Forwards: Aranos Coetzee, Corné Fourie, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Pieter Janse van Vuren, Daniel Maartens, Matome Manyama, Friedle Olivier, Vernon Paulo, Jeandré Rudolph, Victor Sekekete, Pierre Uys, Hencus van Wyk, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Neels Volschenk, Laurence Victor, Sisonke Vumazonke

Backs: Michael Annies, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Ruben de Haas, Munier Hartzenberg, Cohen Jasper, Rewan Kruger, Ali Mgijima, Jandré Nel, Prince Nkabinde, Litha Nkula, Ethan Wentzel

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg