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21:00
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09:10
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21:05

Makhaza returns for Cheetahs' Toyota Challenge opener

By Angus Opperman
Wednesday 23 Sep 2026
Makhaza of the Cheetahs

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn named his side for their opening Toyota Challenge clash against Lusitanos in Tbilisi.

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The second leg of the tournament resumes this weekend in Georgia, which includes the Pumas and reigning Currie Cup champions Griquas.

Rookie Shuan Ray starts at fullback alongside wings Litha Nkila and Makhaza to form the back three.

Duncan Basson partners with Marco Jansen van Vuren in the midfield, with the experienced Jandre Nel and Tiaan Swanepoel forming the halfback combination.

In the pack, Sisonke Vumazonke packs down at No.8 and will be flanked by Arno van der Merwe and Siyemukela Ndlovu to complete the loose trio.

Juan Venter and Carl Wegner partner in the second row whilst hooker and captain Louis van der Westhuizen is joined alongside props John-Kelly Okonkwo and Tebogo Nkosi.

Cheetahs: 15 Shuan Ray, 14 Litha Nkula, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Duncan Basson, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 10 Tiaan Swanepoel, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Sisonke Vumazonke, 7 Arno van der Merwe, 6 Siyemukela Ndlovu, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 John-Kelly Okonkwo, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Tebogo Nkosi
Replacements: 16 Juandre Schoeman, 17 Matome Manyama, 18 Ben Pitout, 19 Mihlali Mosi, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Ethan Wentzel, 23 Daniel Maartens

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Referee: Shoti Tsagaresihvili
Assistant referees: Gela Lemonjava, Ana Pogosyan
TMO: Sos Japaridze

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