The Toyota Cheetahs have officially turned their focus to the highly anticipated return to Europe which will see the team play in a major international competition for the first time since March 2020.
The Cheetahs reported for duty on Monday after taking a week-long break at the conclusion of their successful Toyota Challenge campaign in Bloemfontein, in which they won three of their four games. Their only blemish was a 21-14 defeat to the Emerging Irish in a game which they all agree was there for the taking.
Players such as the prop Cameron Dawson and the flyhalf Brandon Thomson (both Pumas), and the Springbok Rosco Specman (Griquas) are no longer at the team, however, there are a few new faces in camp. The Cheetahs will be playing in the EPCR Challenge Cup (also known as the European Challenge Cup) from December as they enter the European market after being unceremoniously dumped out of the then PRO14. The Cheetahs will be based in Parma, Italy, for the competition and will be playing in “home” and away games against Section Paloise (France) and Scarlets (Wales).
Due to not playing in international competitions in recent time, the Cheetahs have very little experience of playing Europe in their squad.
The Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete – who has been a breath of fresh air since taking over the captaincy because of his approach to the game – told Bloemfontein Courant that this is what they have been working hard towards and the onus is on them to prove that they belong in Europe, despite the lack of experience.
“We are back now from a break, and it was a much-needed one,” said the towering lock. “Especially after the successful Toyota Challenge we had.
“I agree, we don’t have a lot of international experience in the team, but the opportunity has proved to us that we can do it, regardless of the experience or not.
“We have a couple of guys that have played in PRO14, and the likes of Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn and Robert Ebersohn that have played in the Challenge. I myself have also played in the PRO14 before.
“Luckily, I know the Scarlets and I have played against them. That in itself will help a bit.
“The excitement in the camp is more that we made it into Europe again. Everyone is looking forward to taking the opportunity and going to showcase what they have.”
The second-rower added that they are not just going to Europe to compete – they want to write a new chapter in the proud history of Free State rugby.
“This is more of a lifeline for the Cheetahs – it’s something that everyone has been praying for. It’s what we’ve been working hard for. We have this one opportunity to go and showcase what we can really do and that we want to be playing in Europe.
“The want is more important – as long as the guys have been showing it and know that this is what we want. We are not just going there to compete – we are going there to make a difference, and it’s a big difference that we want to make.”
The Cheetahs’ first game will be on 10 December when they take to the field against Section Paloise in Pau. – MORGAN PIEK
