Posted on Thursday, 16 Oct 2025
The fifth annual Toyota Challenge kicks off this Friday, 17 October at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, when the Toyota Cheetahs face Black Lion.
The Black Lion from Georgia is the other invitee in the ECPR Challenge Cup, which takes place in December 2025 and January 2026. This encounter will provide good preparation for both teams, as the Competition kicks off on the weekend of 6 December in Europe.
Gates open at 12:00 with a pub lunch at the Castle Deck in Toyota Stadium, with the main game at 18:00, which will be live on SuperSport (Channel 211).
Sunday, 26 October, will be the big matchday, featuring a curtain raiser between the Cheetahs Legends and the Bulls Legends teams. The winner of each match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Black Lion will walk away with R250,000 in prize money. This significant prize money not only adds to the intensity of the Competition but also recognises the outstanding efforts of the teams, with additional prize money for the Player of the Match.
The first Toyota Challenge was hosted in 2021, providing the Toyota Cheetahs with the opportunity to play against opponents they would regularly face in regular competitions. In 2021, they faced Diables from Barcelona, the Sharks and Baia Mare from Romania. In 2022, they played against Emerging Ireland, the USA National A side and the Griquas. In 2023, the Western Force travelled to Bloemfontein for two games, while the Toyota Cheetahs visited Perth, Australia, for two more tough games. Through the Toyota Challenge, the Toyota Cheetahs formed and fostered strong relationships with clubs worldwide. Last year, the Toyota Cheetahs faced Western Force, the Griffons, and Emerging Ireland for a second year.
Supporters also have a chance to win R5,000 in cash by displaying a poster at Toyota Stadium and using the #ToyotaChallenge with a selfie on Facebook.
There will be something tasty for everyone at the food trucks, and plenty of entertainment to keep the kids bouncing. Enjoy live entertainment at the Castle Deck, before and after the match, with Karoo to keep the party going.
Five randomly selected fans can win big in the Kloppers Expert Kick to Win Competition. Each finalist will get one shot to kick a rugby ball into any of the eight bins placed on the field, and if the ball lands inside a bin, they win the prize hidden inside. Prizes include a Kloppers Expert voucher worth R2 000, a Snomaster Ice Machine, a Ryobi Cordless Drill, a Biltong Cutter, a Weber Kettle Braai, a JBL Flip Speaker, a Stanley Cooler Box, and two season tickets for the 2026.
Tickets are only R50 for the main stand, R30 for the open stand and R20 for students and kids. Tickets are available online at Ticketpro or can be purchased from the ticket office in Toyota Stadium.
If you drive a Toyota vehicle, you can park for free in the Toyota parking area at Toyota Stadium. Remember to have your matchday ticket ready to show at the gate. Entrance to the Toyota parking area is only at Gate 1 in Att Horak Avenue. Space is limited, so come early.
Enjoy the day with your family and friends at Toyota Stadium and be part of all the action. Join us after work on Friday – it's going to be a great day with exciting rugby!
Team for the encounter:
Toyota Cheetahs
Replacements:
16. Marko Janse van Rensburg, 17. Malcom Lamont, 18. Frankie Dos Reis, 19. Mihlali Mosi, 20. Sisonke Vumazonke, 21. Daniel Maartens, 22. Rewan Kruger, 23. Zander du Plessis
Match Officials
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Assistant Referees: Tiaan Engelbrecht, Ashton Ockhuys
TMO: Stephan Geldenhuys
Unavailable due to injury
Carl Wegner (hamstring), George Lourens (hand/forearm), Dux Manyama (hamstring), Pieter Janse van Vuren (hamstring), Tiaan Swanepoel (groin), Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Ethan Wentzel (ankle), Carel-Jan Coetzee (ankle), Vernon Paulo (ankle) and Litha Nkula (hand).
