The Cheetahs have opted to make several changes to their squad for the match, giving game time to many players who haven’t had regular opportunities.

Following defeats to the Boland Cavaliers and Pumas, the Cheetahs can ill afford any further setbacks.

Marco Jansen van Vuren. Photo: Morgan Piek

Players set to make their first appearance for the Cheetahs this weekend include Clayton Blommetjies, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Robert Hunt, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Banele Mthenjane, and Andell Loubser.

Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn told OFM Sport that these changes aren’t just about giving players game time but rather about building squad depth.

“It’s not just about giving game time. For me, it’s about balancing the squad so that if I have injuries during the season, everybody is on the same page,” said Steyn.

“It’s not about handing out opportunities. That’s not what this is. I need everyone in the squad to be aligned, and for that to happen, everyone needs to play.

“The team I selected for this week doesn’t have an A or B side. The team that was meant to play, though we’ve had a couple of injuries.”

The Cheetahs were sweating over the fitness of Daniel Maartens and Sisonke Vumazonke, who picked up niggles in training on Tuesday, prompting a delay in announcing the team. Both have however been declared fit and win start.

Saturday’s game between Eastern Province and the Cheetahs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will kick off at 15:00.

Eastern Province - TBA

Cheetahs - 15 Michael Annies, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Litha Nkula, 10 Clayton Blommetjies, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Pierre Uys, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Schalk Ferreira

Replacements – 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Raegan Oranje, 22 Jandré Nel, 23 Andell Loubser

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg