Rugby
Ntsila hungry to make his mark in Cheetahs colours─── MORGAN PIEK 08:59 Fri, 11 Apr 2025
Toyota Cheetahs loose forward, Andisa Ntsila, is determined to make every minute on the field count – and he’ll be aiming to do just that when the Cheetahs take on the SWD Eagles in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Since joining the Cheetahs five years ago, Ntsila’s journey has been anything but smooth. A string of injury setbacks has frequently kept him sidelined, but whenever he's taken to the field, he’s made his presence felt.
Andisa Ntsila. Photo: Morgan Piek
Now enjoying a rare run of consecutive games in the white jersey, Ntsila is once again set to feature in Saturday’s clash at Toyota Stadium. And he’s relishing every second of it.
Earlier this week, head coach Frans Steyn singled out Ntsila as one of the standout performers in the squad—acknowledging his recent form and the healthy competition brewing within the team.
“I think everyone gave it their all. The players were brilliant with their effort,” Steyn told OFM Sport.
“Guys like Andy Ntsila, Banele Mthenjane – they’re back and they’ve put in a massive shift. Marko Janse van Rensburg at hooker, too – they’ve all been great.
“But we need to figure out our combinations going forward. That’s where we’re at. So, I can say without a doubt – if the backline doesn’t fire this weekend, there’ll be changes heading into the Valke match.”
Speaking to OFM Sport, Ntsila expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the team again and his desire to repay the trust that’s been placed in him.
Andisa Ntsila. Photo: Morgan Piek
“It’s been a while, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity and for the faith the coach has shown in me,” said Ntsila. “I’m not planning to disappoint. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, so it feels good to finally get a proper run and make the most of it.”
He added, “That’s really been the story of my career – taking opportunities when they come and giving it my all. I’m determined to make the best of it. It’s humbling and a huge honour to wear the Cheetahs jersey again.”
Saturday’s match against the SWD Eagles kicks off at 15:00 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Cheetahs - TBA
SWD Eagles - 15 Roshwin Abrahams, 14 Kirwan Cupido, 13 JP Duvenhage, 12 Edwin Sass, 11 Rosco Syster, 10 Marko Weich, 9 Sachin Toring, 8 Michael Cloete, 7 Dian Basson, 6 Damon Royle, 5 Mncedisi Dlwengu (captain), 4 Azola Mati, 3 Hlomla Zondani, 2 Marci Fuhri, 1 Tandolwetu Matolengwe
Replacements - 16 Stephan Leonard, 17 Cole Haggard, 18 Cecil Rittels, 19 Ethan Stuurman, 20 Wayne Khan, 21 Arden-Lee Meyer, 22 Quaid Langeveldt, 23 Keano Langeveldt, 24 Christo Swanepoel
