The Cheetahs will head into the match with renewed confidence following their emphatic 69-0 victory over the Leopards in Bloemfontein. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement, and against the Pumas there will be no margin for error.

The last time these two sides met the Cheetahs thumped the Pumas with a convincing 41-14 win in Nelspruit, securing their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Currie Cup. However, the Pumas will not have forgotten that defeat. It is also worth noting that in last year’s SA Cup, the Pumas hammered a second-string Free State side 50-0 in Bloemfontein.

The former UFS Shimlas captain Ruwald van der Merwe. Picture: Morgan Piek

While the Cheetahs are expected to be much stronger in this year’s SA Cup, they are still in a rebuilding phase, with a focus on the long-term process rather than just immediate results.

Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete returns to lead the team after missing last week’s match against the Leopards. However, the side will look quite different from the one that faced the Pumas in last year’s Currie Cup “quarter-final” in September.

The Cheetahs will announce their match 23 squad on Tuesday (18/3), with minimal changes expected. Sekekete will be one of the notable inclusions, while inside centre Ali Mgijima could also earn a starting role after making his return off the bench last week. With players returning from injury, the team will need to strike a balance between building on momentum and gradually easing them back into action.

It remains to be seen whether new signing Tiaan Swanepoel will be available for the trip to the Lowveld. If he is, his powerful boot could prove to be a valuable asset. The big boot of the Pumas flyhalf Clinton Swart is one of their major strengths, and discipline on all corners of the park will be imperative.

Sekekete told OFM Sport putting in a solid performance is just as crucial as securing the win, but the emphasises leans towards building.

Clinton Swart. Picture: Morgan Piek

“We’re building on certain aspects of our game, and every week we’re seeing a lot of positives,” said Sekekete. “For us, it’s all about focusing on the process and executing our game plan on the day. 

“A lot of new players are coming in and contributing, and the senior guys are working well together. There’s a lot that we are building towards for the future.”

Friday night’s clash between the Pumas and Cheetahs at Mbombela Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mc