Cheetahs pumped for cat fight with Pumas

The Toyota Cheetahs host the Airlink Pumas this Friday in what promises to be an exciting SA Cup encounter, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.

Supporters can look forward to a full day of rugby and entertainment, with gates opening at 1pm. The matchday experience includes curtain-raiser fixtures, family-friendly activities, food vendors and live entertainment.

Live music by Francois Bouwer will set the tone both before and after the main game, while the on-field action begins earlier with two curtain-raisers:

• 2.30pm – Grey College U15 C v Landboudal U15 A

• 3.45pm – Grey College U16 C v Landboudal U16 A

Families are encouraged to make the most of the day. Primary school learners can enter for just R10 when wearing their school kit. The kids’ zone will feature a Toyota jumping castle, a Fidelity fire truck and the CANSA Cheetah hair spraying station.

Fans will also have the opportunity to support a meaningful cause. The Cheetahs, in partnership with Thirsti, the Official Hydration, Spring Water and Sports Drink Partner, are driving awareness around testicular cancer. Thirsti will donate R1 000 for every try scored by the Cheetahs this season towards testicular cancer research. Supporters can get involved by taking part in the dunk tank at the Castle Deck.

Tickets are available online via Ticketpro or at the Toyota Stadium ticket office. Prices are as follows: R60 – Adults (Main Stand), R40 – Adults (Open Stand), R30 – Students and scholars.

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

During the match, five lucky fans will 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.

Join us for a memorable day of rugby, entertainment and community spirit as the Cheetahs take on the Pumas.

The referee for the match is Christopher Allison. He will be assisted by DJ Hefer and Ashton Ockhuys.

The Cheetahs will celebrate a remarkable milestone this Friday, the tighthead prop Aranos Coetzee runs out for his 150th match in the orange jersey.

At 34, Coetzee has become a cornerstone of the Cheetahs’ pack, a powerful and dependable presence in the front row, respected for his work ethic and unwavering commitment to the team.

Born on 14 March 1988 in Windhoek, Coetzee’s rugby journey began in Aranos, Namibia, before he continued his schooling at Boland Agricultural High School in Paarl. He earned selection for the SA Under-18 side that competed in the African Cup.

Aranos represented the Leopards U21 side and later NWU Pukke in the Varsity Cup, where they finished as runners-up in 2010.

Coetzee made his first-class debut for the Leopards in the Currie Cup before embarking on a successful stint in France. He represented Racing 92 and CA Brive between 2010 and 2015, gaining valuable experience in European rugby.

He joined the Cheetahs in 2016 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad. Coetzee became the first South African player to reach 50 Pro14 appearances, finishing with 52 matches between 2017 and 2020.

Over the years, he has played across multiple competitions for the Cheetahs, including the Currie Cup and international tournaments, consistently anchoring the scrum with authority. His contributions were recognised in 2017 when he was named the team’s Player of the Year.

On the international stage, Coetzee has been a proud servant of the Namibia national rugby union team since 2015. To date, he has earned more than 40 Test caps for his country and has represented Namibia at three Rugby World Cups: the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Coetzee’s career has also included a loan spell with Bath Rugby in the English Premiership, further underlining his value and experience at the highest level of the game.

Reaching 150 matches for the Cheetahs is a significant milestone, reflecting not only Coetzee’s longevity but also his loyalty and consistent performances over nearly a decade with the team. In an era where player movement is common, his achievement stands as a testament to his dedication to the jersey and the union.

As he prepares to run out for his 150th cap, teammates, management and supporters alike will celebrate a player who has given so much to the Cheetahs' cause, a true servant of the game and a stalwart of Free State rugby.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Prince Nkabinde, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Banie Britz; 10 George Lourens, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren; 8 Gideon van der Merwe, 7 Sisonke Vumazonke, 6 Neels Volschenk; 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Pieter Jansen van Vuren; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen (capt), 1 Matome Manyama. Replacements: 16 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Curtly Thomas, 20 Mihlali Mosi, 21 Jandre Nel, 22 Jaco van der Walt, 23 Michael Annies.

FRIDAY

Toyota Cheetahs v Airlink Pumas - Friday @ Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein (6pm)

Referee: Christopher Allison