The Griffons are bracing for what promises to be a bruising Free State derby when they take on the Toyota Cheetahs in Welkom on Saturday in round five of the SA Cup.

Tighthead prop Justin Forwood, who previously played for the Cheetahs and now represents the Griffons, told OFM Sport they are relishing the chance to measure themselves against top opposition as they chase a return to the Currie Cup Premier Division after losing their status last year.

The SA Cup resumes this week after a well-earned Easter break and, with the competition nearing its halfway mark, the intensity is set to ramp up across the board.

For the Cheetahs, a demanding stretch lies ahead. Their next four fixtures are all away from home - a test that could define their campaign. After a slightly inconsistent start, with two wins, one loss and a no result, they currently sit fifth on the log with 13 points and will be keen to build some momentum.

Free State Crinums coach, Martha Mosoahle-Samm, is delighted to welcome a Proteas stalwart back into her squad ahead of the upcoming Telkom Netball League (TNL).

Netball legend Karla Pretorius has earned her place in the team that will be aiming to reclaim their title in South Africa’s premier netball competition.

Mosoahle-Samm told OFM Sport that Pretorius’ influence extends far beyond match day.

The Toyota Cheetahs have signed off for the Easter break after four rounds of SA Cup action that have delivered a mixed bag of results.

There was, however, plenty to smile about over the weekend. The Cheetahs produced a commanding 52–19 win over Eastern Province, and the lift in energy at training this week was clear to see.

Captain Chucky van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that, while it’s still relatively early in the campaign, the timing of the break couldn’t be better - especially with a tough travel schedule looming.

The Toyota Cheetahs have signed off for the Easter break after four rounds of SA Cup action that have delivered a mixed bag of results.

There was, however, plenty to smile about over the weekend. The Cheetahs produced a commanding 52–19 win over Eastern Province, and the lift in energy at training this week was clear to see.

Next up is a demanding stretch of four consecutive away matches, starting with a tricky trip to Welkom to face the Griffons.

Head coach Frans Steyn echoed those sentiments, admitting that the Griffons have become something of a bogey side for the Cheetahs in recent years. He has urged his players to return from the break mentally sharp for what lies ahead.

The Suzuki Griquas head coach, Pieter Bergh, says extending his stay in Kimberley was an easy decision as the Peacock Blues continue to build something special in the Northern Cape.

Bergh, who has been at the helm of the Currie Cup champions since 2021, has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Griquas until at least 2029. In that time, he has firmly established himself as one of the union’s most successful coaches in recent memory.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Bergh said there was little hesitation when the opportunity came to extend his contract, both from a rugby and a family perspective.

Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt has called for a sharper, more clinical performance from her side as they gear up for their crucial ICC Women’s Championship One-Day International series against New Zealand Women.

Speaking ahead of the first ODI, Wolvaardt admitted the team had taken a hard look at their recent T20 International struggles, where they slipped to a 4-1 series defeat, and stressed the need to raise their standards.

Bafana Bafana kicked off their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Panama national football team on Friday night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

It was a typically hot, humid and energy-sapping evening on the East Coast, but the home side showed grit and character to come from behind and salvage a result in front of their supporters.

Broos was nevertheless full of praise for his side, believing the result didn’t fully reflect their dominance.

The Toyota Cheetahs flyhalf, Jaco van der Walt, is locked and loaded for a return to action on Saturday when they take on the Eastern Province Elephants in Bloemfontein in round four of the SA Cup.

Van der Walt will marshal the backline for the first time since recovering from a hand injury. He was named on the bench for last week’s clash against the Pumas, but didn’t see any game time after the match was abandoned due to lightning.

Van der Walt told OFM Sport that there’s a real sense of excitement in the camp ahead of what promises to be a physical encounter.

The former Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, is bracing for a tough but compelling encounter when Eastern Province take on the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday in the SA Cup.

Last year’s clash between the sides is still fresh in the memory. The Cheetahs edged the Elephants in Gqeberha, claiming a dramatic 47–35 victory after a late surge in the Friendly City, despite being under pressure for much of the match.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Coetzee said Saturday’s clash is a significant one for both teams, although he believes the pressure may weigh slightly heavier on the hosts following last week’s no result.