The Toyota Cheetahs have begun with their preseason ahead of their Currie Cup title defence.
The Cheetahs will spend the next month building towards the tournament which is still scheduled to start early next month, but there is uncertainty due to player welfare issues.
The team will also head to the Eastern Free State next week where they will go into camp in Clarens while also training in Bethlehem.
There were quite a few sets of crutches at the training on session on Thursday, with a few players having undergo a ‘service’ just a short break between the SA Cup and the preseason. Even the coaches, Izak van der Westhuizen and Albert Keuris, used the opportunity to have work done on their knees.
Meanwhile, the former Junior Springbok, Aidon Davis, who is back at the Cheetahs told OFM Sport that it’s great to be back in Bloemfontein after a stint at the Exeter Chiefs in England.
“It’s been awesome being back, it’s very familiar and it feels right to be back,” said Davis.
“The boys and the coaches have been awesome. I’m starting slowly and but enjoying my time back.
“I think that speaks highly of the Cheetahs – players are always wanting to come back and I think that’s an environment coaches and players create that the guys want to come back once they’ve left.
While Davis has only been back with the team for a couple of days, he feels that while things have changed with in the coaching environment, there is still a lot that is familiar and this also helps slotting back into the systems.
“Yes, that a lot of especially with coach Sakkie (Izak van der Westhuizen) being the forwards coach when I left, and now he is the head coach. But like you said, somethings change, but a lot didn’t change.”
Davis added that as a senior in the squad he’d like to help develop the younger players in the systems and share some of his much-earn rugby wisdom, but it’s important the rookies want to learn and be apart of the teams culture.
“Yes, look, I’m looking forward to getting back into the team talking to everyone and getting to know everyone. There’s a lot of young guys, and they’re eager to learn and eager to play for this team.”
The former Lions and UJ winger, Prince Nkabinde, has also reported for duty at the Cheetahs. The young hooker, Nick Greyling, has also being training with the team, and he is player that is highly rated by the coaches.
As matters still stand, the Cheetahs are set to open their campaign on the weekend of 5 July against the Griffons in Bloemfontein.
Morgan Piek
