Rugby
Cheetahs sign former Junior Boks captain Ndlovu─── MORGAN PIEK 11:50 Tue, 29 Apr 2025
The Toyota Cheetahs have confirmed the signing of another young and exciting player ahead of the upcoming Currie Cup campaign.
The Cheetahs have secured the services of former Junior Springbok and University of Johannesburg (UJ) captain, Sasko Ndlovu. He previously represented the Baby Boks alongside the likes of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, André-Hugo Venter, Canan Moodie, and Quan Horn – all of whom have since gone on to become Springboks.
Carl Wegner. Photo: Morgan Piek
Originally from Durban, Ndlovu made his name at the Lions, where his performances earned him selection for the Junior Springboks. He was ultimately named captain of the national U20 side in 2021.
Ndlovu will add even more depth to the Cheetahs’ already strong loose-forward department, which includes the likes of Jeandré Rudolph, Gideon van der Merwe, Neels Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke, Daniel Maartens, Pierre Uys, and Andisa Ntsila, to name just a few. Oupa Mohoje remains a key figure in the squad, while the young and exciting Keagan Scholtz has also been training with the team.
Ndlovu most recently played for the Orange Army in 2025 and captained UJ in their Varsity Cup clash against the University of the Free State Shimlas in Bloemfontein. He will lead UJ one more time in their big Varsity Cup promotion-relegation game against the NMU Madibaz on Monday.
Ndlovu, who has battled several serious injuries recently, told OFM Sport that he’s incredibly excited about the opportunity.
“More than anything, I’m just—wow—I’m really grateful for this chance, because I know that not every prayer gets answered like this,” said Ndlovu, who has suffered both a fractured jaw and a dislocated shoulder in recent times.
“Who knows? It could’ve been a career-ending injury, but here’s God saying, ‘Here’s another shot—another opportunity to showcase your skill and get back on the map.’
“I’m just so, so grateful. I’m really looking forward to putting in the hard work—and hopefully improving my Afrikaans too, since the Cheetahs are based in the Free State.
“I’m also excited to link up with guys I’ve played with before—like Sisonke Vumazonke, Banele Mthenjane, and Prince Nkabinde, the wing—what a great guy!”
Prince Nkabinde joined the Cheetahs from UJ after the 2024 Varsity Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek
“I’m just really looking forward to being part of such a top-class institution. I can’t wait to meet legends like Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar, and to be in that kind of environment.”
Recently, the Cheetahs also signed the winger Ntokhozo Makhaza from UCT, and the loosehead prop Tielman Roos from the Bulls.
In addition to Ndlovu’s signing, the Cheetahs have received another boost with experienced lock Carl Wegner extending his contract with the team for a further two years.
