With just two rounds remaining before the 2026 SA Cup semi-finals, the pressure is mounting as teams battle for a place in the top four, and with it, qualification for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division.
At the top of the standings, Suzuki Griquas have created a seven-point buffer, putting them firmly on course for a home semi-final. Behind them, however, the race is open, with three semi-final spots still up for grabs and every log point proving crucial in the closing stages of the league phase.
The Toyota Cheetahs take on Border at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Saturday at 15:30. For the Free Staters, nothing less than a convincing victory will suffice as they look to stay within striking distance of the playoff positions.
The Toyota Cheetahs are currently level on 25 log points with the Kavaliers but sit just outside the top four due to an inferior points difference, adding further significance to this weekend’s clash.
Head coach Frans Steyn has named his team for this important encounter:
Toyota Cheetahs: 1 Tielman Niewoudt, 2 Juan Smal, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwa, 4 Curtly Thomas, 5 Victor Sekekete, 6 Ramon Uys, 7 Neels Volschenk, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 9 Rewan Kruger, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 11 Michael Annies, 12 Franco Smith, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 14 Cohen Jasper, 15 Clayton Blommetjies. Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Tebogo Nkosi, 18 Aranos Coetzee; 19 Carl Wegner; 20 Juan Venter; 21 Daniel Maartens; 22 Marco Jansen van Vuren; 23 Jaco van der Westhuizen.
The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury: Tiaan Swanepoel (groin), Arno van der Merwe and Sasko Ndlovu (hamstrings), Pierre Uys and Vice Hofmeyer (shoulders), Ntokozo Makhaza (knee), Munier Hartzenberg (upper leg), Ben Pitout and Frankie Dos Reis (ankles), Xander du Plessis (lower leg), Dux Manyma (shoulder), Prince Nkabine (head injury).