The former Shimlas centre, who is built like a hooker, has enjoyed limited time in the Cheetahs jersey, and he didn’t play in the SA Cup last year due to Varsity Cup commitments.

The Cheetahs currently have several injured centres, while Evardi Boshoff is on loan to the Ospreys in Wales. Midfield players who are unavailable at the moment include Munier Hartzenberg, Carel-Jan Coetzee, and Franco Smith Jr, although the latter started at flyhalf in his last match.

Nel told OFM Sport he looks forward to the upcoming competition.

“It’s obviously tough with the competition sometimes – you want the gap, but it’s difficult,” said the big ball carrier. 

“I think, in the end, it’s a team sport, and just keeping my head up and playing, giving my best for the team, is the most important part.

“With Skolie (Carel-Jan Coetzee) out now, you never wish that upon a player. And yeah, I’m actually good mates with him, so I wish him a speedy recovery. But hopefully, in this SA Cup, a few of the boys will get a chance to play, and I’m one of them.

‘I need to be ready to give it my all’

“I told my dad this is my first SA Cup, and for some players, it’s just about getting game time. But for me, it’s really about putting my mark on the team and showing the coaches who I am and what I can do. So if I get a crack, I need to be ready to give it my all.”

Nel, who missed last year’s Varsity Cup final due to injury, added that after being part of the Shimlas for such a long time, it feels strange not to be in action with the defending champions as they prepare for the tournament's opening round on Monday.

Franco Smith Jr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Ethan (Wentzel), Smiley (Nel), and a few of the other Shimla boys and I were just saying it's quite weird not being able to play. But we’ll definitely support them when they’re playing at home, and we’ll be watching on TV when they aren’t.

“We’re excited to see the youngsters because I think it’s a young group. But as we’ve learned over the past three years, coach André Tredoux always has a plan, and I think we’re just really excited to see them play.”

The Cheetahs will kick off their campaign on 8 March against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg/mvh