'We missed somebody like that': Steyn reveals Faf's impact on Cheetahs
SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn revealed the impact double world champion Faf de Klerk had since joining the Bloemfontein-based side in July.
De Klerk showed his class and experience throughout the season (barring an off-game against Griquas), winning several Player of the Match awards during the 2026 Currie Cup season.
He grabbed another one this past weekend after snatching a late win for his side with a try in the 79th minute to deny the Stormers a third win of their campaign.
Steyn had nothing but praise for his former Springbok teammate and highlighted the attributes De Klerk brings to the Cheetahs.
“The love he has for the Cheetahs over the past couple of weeks… there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for this team,” Steyn said.
“He’s all in and wants to see this team get better every day; for that, the players have a lot of respect for him.
“He’s a good team man – he listens to everybody and will speak up when he thinks we can do something better.
“There’s enough respect between him and his teammates.
“Look, he didn’t do everything right on the weekend, and he’ll hear that in the team meeting, but he’s good for this team at the moment; we missed somebody like that.”
The Cheetahs will face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this weekend in their bid for a top two finish in the tournament.
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