Rugby
Fleet-footed Nkula set for return after suspension─── MORGAN PIEK 16:31 Thu, 09 Jan 2025
“Obviously, it was a bit of a setback having been suspended for a couple of games and now looking forward to just trying and fulfilling the role that I've been given in the squad, going into the Lyon and Zebre game.”
The Toyota Cheetahs outside back Litha Nkula is excited to be back in the mix after serving a three-match suspension.
The fleet-footed Nkula boarded the flight to the Netherlands on Wednesday night for the Cheetahs matches against Zebre of Italy and Lyon of France in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
In October last year Nkula was issued a red card during the Toyota Challenge game against the Griffons in Bloemfontein and was sanctioned for three matches. He missed out on the previous two games against Perpignan in Amsterdam and Cardiff in Wales as the warm-up game against the Bulls didn’t count as an official match.
Traveling to Europe with the team is a big opportunity for the former Shimlas star in the Varsity Cup and he realises the importance of the task at hand.
Nkula told OFM Sport that he just wants to seize the moment and make it count.
“Getting the opportunity again to represent the jersey is really a huge honour,” said Nkula.
“Obviously, it was a bit of a setback having been suspended for a couple of games and now looking forward to just trying and fulfilling the role that I've been given in the squad, going into the Lyon and Zebre game.
“Hopefully, it turns out to be a tournament changing tour for us. Obviously, we're looking forward to this and we really want to make a difference. As the guys that are just included in the squad now, we just want to bring our best and the attributes that you can help this team succeed and going forward.
Eduan Keyter and Litha Nkula - Morgan Piek
“I'm really honoured and I'm just excited to just be given a role to play in the squad and I'm looking forward to it.”
The Cheetahs arrived in the Netherlands on Thursday before the match against the Italian URC outfit on Sunday.
Sunday’s game at the NRCA Stadium in 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
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
