The Toyota Cheetahs have received a big boost with the news that seven of the young and up and coming players have extended their contracts at the side.
The flyhalves, Siya Masuku and Reinhardt Fortuin, have both extended their contracts and remain committed to the team. Masuku has been one of the standout players during the 2022 Currie Cup, while Fortuin has also started showing glimpses of his ability after recovering from an injury.
In addition, the star Varsity Cup centres, David Brits and Evardi Boshoff, both also extended their stay in Bloemfontein. Brits excelled for the Maties during the 2021 Varsity Cup while Boshoff in his turn was one of the star players for the UCT Ikeys. Both players have already represented the Toyota Cheetahs in several games since joining the side.
The outside back, Cohen Jasper, who was the 2021 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament will also continue to play his rugby at the Cheetahs for the foreseeable future. The fleet-footed Jasper's versatility is invaluable for the Cheetahs and he is equally comfortable on the wing as well as at fullback.
The winger, Daniel Kasende, has been somewhat of a revelation at the Cheetahs since joining from the Griquas and the former Wits speedster has already had a big impact on the team. He too will continue to play his rugby at the Cheetahs for the foreseeable future.
Brenden de Kock, who played for the UWC in the Varsity Cup joined the Cheetahs in 2021 but has had limited opportunity after suffering a serious knee injury. The scrumhalf has committed to continue playing his rugby at the Cheetahs until the end of June 2023.
New signings
Four new players will be joining the side in November. Mzwanele Zito is currently playing for the Griquas in Kimberley and had a stint at Carcassonne in France. Zito’s teammate, Munier Hartzenberg (wing) will be a great addition to the Toyota Cheetah squad, alongside Siba Xhamlashe, a wing and fullback from Western Province. Marko Janse van Rensburg (hooker), a former Puma player who is currently playing in the USA (Rugby ATL), will be in Bloemfontein in November.