Makhaza headlines Cheetahs Georgian tour squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs will travel to Georgia for the second leg of the Toyota Challenge in Tbilisi ahead of the 2026 Challenge Cup.
They will contest the Tbilisi Cup alongside fellow Currie Cup sides the Pumas and back-to-back champions Griquas, including Portuguese outfit Lusitanos, Iberians of Spain and hosts Black Lion.
Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn said the tour will provide valuable game time for players returning from injury, as well as an opportunity to assess younger and newer squad members.
“The focus is primarily on match fitness and allowing players to get valuable game time, particularly those returning from injury. It is important that we get them back to full fitness and into a competitive environment.”
Steyn said the tour would also provide an important introduction to senior rugby for several younger players.
“Duncan Basson, Sibabalwe Booi and Darius Erwee are young players who are coming through into the senior setup. We want to allow them to experience our team culture, understand how the senior environment works and gradually integrate them into the squad.”
Several players will also return to action or make their first appearances for the Toyota Cheetahs.
“Siya Ningiza is returning from injury and, as a new signing, this will be his first opportunity to play for us. Shaun Ray has been part of our system and needs game time, while Juandre Schoeman [hooker] has recently joined us from the Bulls.
“We also have players such as Ntokozo Makhaza returning from injury, and this tour will help us assess where they are physically.”
With a demanding international programme still ahead, Steyn said the squad would be managed carefully.
“We have a long season ahead, so we need to manage the players who have already played a lot of rugby over the past few months. Some will remain in Bloemfontein to continue their preparation while this group travels to Georgia.”
The tour will also form part of the coaching staff’s broader assessment of the squad ahead of the remainder of the season.
“These matches are important for us to assess where we are as a squad. Every player will have an opportunity to show what he can contribute, while we continue preparing for the important matches that lie ahead.”
Cheetahs touring squad: Duncan Basson, Sibabalwe Booi, Aidon Davis, Darius Erwee, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Daniel Maartens, Ntokozo Makhaza, Matome Manyma, Mihlali Mosi, Sasko Ndlovu, Jandré Nel, Tielman Niewoudt, Siya Ningiza, Tebogo Nkosi, Litha Nkula, John-Kelly Okonkwo, Ben Pitout, Shaun Ray, Juandre Schoeman, Tiaan Swanepoel, Arno van der Merwe, Louis van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Stefan Venter, Erich Visser, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner and Ethan Wentzel.
Cheetahs Toyota Challenge fixtures:
Thursday, September 24: Cheetahs v Lusithanos
Tuesday, September 29: Iberians v Cheetahs
Sunday, October 4: Black Lion v Cheetahs
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