While coach Ruan Pienaar readies the Cheetahs for an anniversary match against Georgia, he paid tribute to Free State legend Willie le Roux ahead of his 100th Test match.
Le Roux, currently with the Vodacom Bulls, made his name as a Cheetahs playmaker between 2012 and 2015, from where he was selected for national duty and debuted for the Boks against Italy in 2013. Twelve years later, he’s on track to reach a Test century against the Azzurri.
READ: Willie strikes 100 as Moerat leads new-look Boks
“It’s a massive achievement for any player to get close to 100 Springbok caps,” said Pienaar, who earned 88 Bok caps between 2006 and 2015. “It’s incredible what Willie has done and the longevity he has shown.
“It’s great to see someone who has represented the Cheetahs go on to become a double World Cup winner and British and Irish Lions and Rugby Championship winner. We are all proud of him, he deserves all the accolades he receives.
“South African legends have worn this shirt in the past, and that is where our players want to end up, wearing the national colours.”
Pienaar, installed as Cheetahs head coach ahead of the 2025–26 season, is this week focused on the union’s own historic occasion: the 130th anniversary of Free State Rugby, to be marked by a one-off fixture against Georgia at Free State Stadium.
The match is part of the union’s build-up to the 2025 Currie Cup, which begins later this month. Georgia will use the game to prepare for their upcoming Test against the Springboks in Nelspruit on 19 July.
“The players are excited and ready to go,” said Pienaar. “There is a lot of responsibility sitting with us as a union to perform. This is a massive occasion for the Cheetahs and the people of Bloemfontein.
“This union means a lot to me and the people of the Free State. To have the opportunity to play on an occasion like this is huge. We want to go out there and make the jersey proud.”
Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete is expecting a physical test and sees value in matching up against international opposition.
“Everyone knows Georgia are a physical team,” said Sekekete. “It’s a great opportunity for both sides. We want to benchmark ourselves against national outfits. Physically and the brand we want to play, this is where we want to be.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
