Posted on Thursday, 17 Jul 2025
Johannesburg – In celebration of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs’ 130-year milestone, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) handed over six brand-new Corolla Cross 1.8 XS vehicles to the rugby club. The vehicle handover took place at the Toyota Stadium during half-time of the Toyota Cheetahs’ historic match against Georgia on 11 July.
Just like the Toyota Cheetahs, the Corolla Cross is a product of South African soil - built with pride, purpose and precision. It is tough, dependable and made to go the distance. The vehicle handover builds on a strong heritage of TSAM’s 15-year sponsorship of the Toyota Cheetahs.
Handing over the keys during the momentous occasion, Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Toyota South Africa Motors said: “This is more than just a vehicle handover to the Toyota Cheetahs. It is a celebration of legacy, loyalty and the future of South African rugby. As a proud partner, we wanted to do more than simply say congratulations - this is a gesture of appreciation for the team’s ongoing commitment to performance and the community. We are honoured to support the Toyota Cheetahs as they continue to inspire generations on and off the field.”
Founded in 1895, the Cheetahs have become a cornerstone of South African rugby, known for their fierce competitiveness and deep community roots. The 130-year celebration is a testament to their enduring spirit and the unwavering support of fans across the country.
“We are truly grateful to Toyota South Africa for this meaningful gesture. Our relationship has always been about more than just sponsorship, it’s a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a belief in the positive impact rugby can have, both on and off the field. As we celebrate 130 years of Cheetahs rugby, we’re especially thankful for Toyota’s unwavering support. Their commitment continues to inspire us to develop talent, uplift our communities and make our supporters proud. We’re honoured to carry this legacy forward, together,” said Rory Duncan, CEO of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs.
The vehicle handover coincided with TSAM’s visit to the Toyota Cheetahs Academy, which is currently undergoing a complete renovation. Toyota’s investment will see the Academy transformed into a 360-degree training facility with state-of-the-art equipment - serving both junior and senior, male and female teams. The Toyota Cheetahs Academy is located in a historic building adjacent to the stadium which has hosted many post-match celebrations and momentous occasions. “It is important for us to preserve the heritage of the team and the memories of the players that have passed through it, while also providing our young, up-and-coming players a base where they can hone their skills. To do this, we’ll be moving many of the historic elements inside the academy to our main foyer - to create a showcase of Cheetahs history,” added Duncan.
The event concluded with a symbolic key handover and a sense of renewed confidence following the Toyota Cheetahs’ historic 24-20 win against Georgia. As the Toyota Cheetahs prepare for the Currie Cup, the vehicle handover and the visit to the Academy was a fitting occasion, marking a partnership built on shared values and a passion for excellence.
At Toyota South Africa, we believe in the power of sports to create positive change. For more information on Toyota’s brand partnerships, please visit Toyota Community Sponsorships | Toyota South Africa.
