In the third SA Cup match, the Toyota Cheetahs will host the Pumas on Friday, 5 April 2024. The game in Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00, and gates open at 16:30.

Free parking is available inside Toyota Stadium if you drive a Toyota and have a valid match ticket. Enter from Att Horak Avenue. Supporters are urged to come early.

Tickets are R50 for the main stand, R30 for the open stand, and only R20 for students and kids. Tickets are available online at www.ticketpro.co.za or at the ticket office in Toyota Stadium.

Ticket sales for the historic Test between the Springboks and Portugal on 20 July in Toyota Stadium are available from the ticket office in Toyota Stadium. It is the perfect opportunity to secure tickets and enjoy an evening out with the family.

The Toyota Cheetahs are playing in two competitions this weekend. Coach Izak van der Westhuizen and a squad of 25 players left for France on Tuesday and will face Clermont in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16. Henley du Plessis will take over the reins for the SA Cup match in Bloemfontein.

Coach Henley du Plessis: “It seems like every time the Toyota Cheetahs plays in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16, we play against the Pumas. Luckily, this year, we prepared well. We knew this weekend would come, and we needed some extra guys.

“A lot of youngsters are making their debut for the Toyota Cheetahs. It will be a challenge for us, but we are up for it, and we will focus on the weekend.”

The Toyota Cheetahs take great pride in fielding a squad where 14 out of 23 players have emerged from the esteemed Toyota Academy. This significant representation of talented youngsters underscores the commitment to nurturing promising talent within the ranks.

Captain Thabang Mahlasi: “I’m going to grab this opportunity and make the most of it. With time, this thing will happen, and sooner or later, I will also be on a flight, but now we focus on our task, playing against the Pumas on Friday.”

“I feel like we have a strong leadership group comprising Sbu and James, who are well experienced. I think they will help us, especially when guiding the young guys who recently joined us. I really think that experience will come in handy.” Thabang is a former captain of the Shimlas.

The team for the encounter:

Toyota Cheetahs vs Pumas

15. Banie Britz

14. S’bu Nkosi

13. Gert Steyn

12. Luke Carew

11. Rhetabile Mzamo

10. James Verity-Amm

9. Marco Janse van Vuren

8. Sisonke Vumazonke

7. Ulrich Stander

6. Andisa Ntsila

5. Thabang Mahlasi (C)

4. Arno van der Merwe

3. Justin Forwood

2. Vernon Paulo

1. Cameron Dawson

16. Nick Greyling

17. Kevin Stevens

18. Marco Conradie

19. AJ Burger

20. Niel Venter

21. Christiaan van der Westhuizen

22. Ruben de Haas

23. Marcey de Waal

The referee for the match is Stephan Geldenhuys. He will be assisted by Jason Marrow and Scott Oliver.

Players not available: The following players are not eligible for team selection due to injury:

Banele Mthenjane (peck), Daniel Maartens (hip), Reagan Oranje (knee), Rynier Bernardo (neck), Cohen Jasper (ankle), Siba Qoma (ankle), Ali Mgijima (groin), Siba Xamlashe (hip), Marnus van der Merwe (hamstring).

Evardi Bosshof is still on loan to Ospreys.