Cheetahs looking to build SA Cup momentum against EP

The Toyota Cheetahs host the Eastern Province this Saturday in what promises to be an exciting SA Cup encounter. Kick-off is now scheduled for 1pm at Shimla Park, on the grounds of the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.

Kick-off has been moved from 3pm to 1pm due to the weather forecast, as the risk of lightning may increase later in the day. This adjustment reduces the likelihood of disruption and increases the chances of completing the match as scheduled.

This fixture is important in the Cheetahs’ pursuit of a semi-final place, with the SA Cup also serving as a qualifier for the Currie Cup. It is therefore essential that the match proceeds without interruption.

The match will be streamed live on SuperSport’s YouTube channel, as well as on the Cheetahs’ YouTube channel.

Supporters are encouraged to enter via the Furstenburg Gate on Nelson Mandela Drive to access Shimla Park. Gates open at 11am.

Tickets are available online via Ticketpro or at the Toyota Stadium ticket office. Prices are: R60 for adults (Main Stand), R40 for adults (Open Stand) and R30 for students and scholars.

During the match, five lucky fans will have the opportunity 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.

Backline coach, Ruan Pienaar, said: “There are no easy games and while we haven’t had many consecutive matches recently, the team is really looking forward to building that momentum. Hopefully we can get through Saturday’s game without any weather disruptions and deliver a strong performance.

“We have a lot of respect for Eastern Province and are taking this match very seriously. The focus is on putting together a performance we can be proud of and showcasing the work we’ve put in during the off-season and over the past few weeks. It’s an exciting challenge, and the squad is motivated for Saturday. We know they are a well-coached side and if you underestimate them, you’ll be punished. Our focus is clear on what we need to do to achieve a positive result.”

Captain Chucky van der Westhuizen added: “It was frustrating not being able to complete a full game against the Pumas. It took us some time to find our rhythm but when we came out for the second time, we delivered a strong performance that gave us real confidence. We felt that, with another 40 minutes, we could have taken control of the game. That belief and momentum is something we’re looking to carry into this weekend.”

The referee for the match is Paul Mente. He will be assisted by Clearance Khumalo and DJ Hefer.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies; 10 Jaco van der Westhuizen, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren; 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Neels Volschenk; 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (capt), 1 Tielman Nieuwoudt. Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Frankie Dos Reis, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Ramon Uys, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 23 Prince Nkabinde.

Toyota Cheetahs v Eastern Province - Saturday @ Shimla Park, Bloemfontein (1pm)

Referee: Paul Mente