Cheetahs hunting semi-final spot

The race to the SA Cup semi-finals reaches its thrilling conclusion this weekend and the Toyota Cheetahs have the opportunity to finish the league phase on a high in front of their passionate home supporters at Toyota Stadium.

Friday night’s clash in Bloemfontein sees the Cheetahs take on log leaders Griquas, with kick-off at 6pm and a live broadcast on SuperSport 211. With a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2026 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division still on the line, the Free Staters know that a strong performance at home could prove decisive.

Currently third on the log, the Cheetahs remain firmly in control of their own destiny and will look to build on their fighting spirit and home-ground energy.

Supporters can also look forward to a festive matchday atmosphere packed with rugby and entertainment. Gates open at 3pm, with curtain-raiser action between the Free State LSEN and Bloemfontein South teams, family-friendly activities, food vendors at the new Food Court at Gate 5 and live entertainment by Loufi at the Castle Deck after the main game.

Fans will also have the opportunity to support a meaningful cause. In partnership with Thirsti, the Official Hydration, Spring Water and Sports Drink Partner, the Toyota Cheetahs are driving awareness around testicular cancer. Thirsti will donate R1 000 for every Cheetahs try scored this season towards testicular cancer research.

Tickets are available online via Ticketpro or from the Toyota Stadium ticket office. Prices are R60 for adults on the main stand, R40 for adults on the open stand and R30 for kids.

Toyota drivers can enjoy free parking in the designated Toyota parking area at Gate 1 on Att Horak Avenue (limited space available, early arrival recommended).

During the match, five lucky supporters will also get the chance to take part in the Kloppers Expert Kick to Win competition, where participants attempt to land a ball into one of eight bins to win a hidden prize.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Rewan Kruger; 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Neels Volschenk (capt), 6 Gideon van der Merwe; 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Tielman Niewoudt. Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 John-Kelly Onkonko, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Carel Jan Coetzee, 23 Ethan Wentzel.

Toyota Cheetahs v Suzuki Griquas - Friday @ Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein (6pm)

Referee: Morne Ferreira

Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby