Late last year, Ferreira suggested that he would retire from the game after the Perpignan and Cardiff matches in the EPCR Challenge Cup. In those two games, he was simply outstanding, with decades of experience coming to the fore.

However, mere days before heading back to Europe for the Zebre and Lyon games, he sustained a hamstring injury and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Ferreira, who is turning 41 years old on Sunday, told OFM Sport that he is ready to play in the SA Cup. “It’s a great one – we’re averaging about seven kilometres a week, so the fitness is looking good,” said Ferreira. “It was a grade one hamstring strain, so it’s a minor injury, and I’ll be ready if the competition is there. I’ll be set to be part of the SA Cup.

“I like to control the controllables – I can control them and the things I stand for. If I have to walk the extra mile by doing ice baths, making sure I get my macros in diet-wise, gymming outside, doing my rehab, and listening to the strength and conditioning coach and applying it as best I can, these are the things I’ll do.

“I’ve been blessed in my life to have discipline, and it has paid off. I’m turning 41 on the 9th of February, so by the grace of God, I can still play this game. So, each game is a blessing for me, and I'm going to be as professional as I can.”

Raegan Oranje. Photo: Morgan Piek

Ferreira’s contract at the Cheetahs states that when he retires from playing, he will move into a coaching role at the Cheetahs.

While the Cheetahs have no fewer than 17 players out injured at the moment, there are some positive signs, with some, such as the versatile outside back James Verity-Amm, inching closer to a return to the field. Verity-Amm has been out since April 2024, when he sustained a knee injury against the SWD Eagles in George.

Another player already training with the squad is the former Tuks and Griquas scrumhalf, Raegan Oranje, who has been out for more than a year.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg