Cheetahs aiming to clip Valke's wings

The Toyota Cheetahs head to the East Rand this weekend for a crucial SA Cup clash against the Valke in Kempton Park, with kick-off set for 3pm and live coverage on SuperSport Variety 2.

With the race for the semi-final spots heating up, the Toyota Cheetahs (23 points) and Eagles (22 points) currently occupy the final two qualifying positions, while the Kavaliers (20 points) remain within striking distance and firmly in contention. Every point now carries added weight as the competition enters a decisive phase.

The Valke, fresh off their win over the Griffons, will be eager to complete a “Free State double” on home soil. But the Bloemfontein side knows a stern test awaits against the sixth-placed East Rand outfit, with no room for complacency.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Ethan Wentzel, 14 Michael Annies, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee , 12 Jooste Nel, 11 Prince Nkabinde; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren; 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Juan Venter, 6 Gideon van der Merwe; 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (capt), 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt. Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Matome Manyma, 18 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Jandre Nel, 22 De-an Ackerman, 23 Litha Nkula.

Valke v Toyota Cheetahs - Saturday @ Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park (3pm)

Referee: Paul Mente

Broadcast: SS Variety 2