Bloemfontein, 1 December 2023 – The Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd is excited to announce Macron as the new official apparel sponsor for the Toyota Cheetahs, as well as all junior and amateur teams affiliated with Free State Rugby. The partnership brings together two entities committed to excellence, innovation, and a shared passion for the sport.

Ross van Reenen, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome Macron on board as our official apparel partner.  This partnership signifies a new chapter for the Toyota Cheetahs, and we believe that Macron’s commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for the future.”

“We look forward to white glove service with a representative based in Bloemfontein to streamline the collaboration and communication of the two entities tremendously.”

Rassie Pieterse, Managing Director of Zone Twenty-Three (Pty) Ltd, the official representative of Macron in South Africa, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “Macron is thrilled to be associated with the Toyota Cheetahs, a team known for its dedication and success on the field. We are confident that our high-performance apparel will complement the team’s dynamic style of play and contribute to their success.”

“We are sincerely committed to being an active participant in the community and sporting environments, as we believe in making a positive difference. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by fostering a strong sense of community and promoting a thriving sporting culture. We understand the importance of supporting stakeholders and fans- and strive to be their unwavering ally.”

Zone Twenty-Three will have all rights on retail apparel and supporter wear in and around the stadium, and run a world-class Cheetah retail outlet in Toyota Stadium.

“Through our initiatives, we aim to provide resources, opportunities, and experiences that enhance the sporting journey for all involved. We are dedicated to standing by our community, supporting their aspirations, and celebrating their achievements. Together, let's create a vibrant and inclusive community where sports flourish and everyone feels valued and encouraged,” said Rassie Pieterse.

The highlight of the collaboration is the unveiling of the new kit, a vibrant orange and white striped jersey featuring a classic collar, paired with sleek black shorts and eye-catching orange socks. This modern design pays homage to the Toyota Cheetahs’ iconic orange and white hooped jersey, which has become a familiar sight in European rugby.

The Toyota Cheetahs will debut the Macron kit for the first time on Saturday, 9 December, when they face Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Italy as part of the EPCR Challenge Cup. The team will then showcase the new apparel on home soil during the match against the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Toyota Stadium on Sunday, 17 December.