Oranje, who has played in just one official game for the Cheetahs since joining from the Griquas, has spent the last year on the sidelines following a serious knee injury that required multiple operations.

The former University of Pretoria Tuks star is finally recovered and is training at full tilt with the team as they build towards the 2025 SA Cup.

While the American international Ruben de Haas is back in the USA and playing in New Orleans, the Cheetahs have a rather healthy-looking halfback department in terms of their depth, with Rewan Kruger, Smiley Nel, and the young Christiaan van der Westhuizen still available.

However, Oranje’s return is a major boost as he is a solid rugby player and provides options at scrumhalf and on the wing. In fact, his only game for the Cheetahs was on the wing against the Western Force in the 2023 Toyota Challenge. Unfortunately, he sustained the knee injury in a warm-up game ahead of last year’s SA Cup.

Oranje told OFM Sport that he is just looking forward to getting out there, doing what he loves and that being out for a long time has somewhat put things into perspective. “I never thought I'd ever miss training in the hot sun of Bloem,” said Oranje.

“It’s just a blessing to train with the guys again. Obviously, I’m really enjoying the way training is going now.

Raegan Oranje when he still played for the Griquas - Morgan Piek

“I just can't wait to get my next cap for the Cheetahs because I had only one before getting injured. I got injured in the warm-up game, so I’m very, very excited for the opportunity when given the chance.”

Oranje conceded that spending a year undergoing rehabilitation and watching his teammates from the side of the training pitch was frustrating, but he is glad that it is all over for now. “It’s very frustrating – I was on the field twice before having to go back to rehab and then, eventually, having to go for a second operation. No player ever really wants to sit out, so it was just very, very frustrating.

“I can’t put it into words. Obviously, seeing the brothers training and getting better while you are just staying stagnant – it’s not the best feeling in the world. That’s why I’m so grateful to be back.”

Coach Frans Steyn himself is delighted to see Oranje back on the training pitch and has been impressed with what he has seen thus far. “Reagan has been working hard. I told him that the other day as well,” Steyn told OFM Sport.

“Since I’ve been involved with the Free State, I’ve never really seen him play because he was injured a lot. So, to see a guy like him moving with a body like that is quite impressive.”

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs are expected to have clarity on Thursday regarding their participation in the SA Cup. The 2025 SA Cup is scheduled to kick off on the weekend of 7 to 9 March.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg