Cheetahs announce new captain as Ruan Pienaar steps down

The Cheetahs will have a new leader this season as Victor Sekekete takes over the reins from veteran Ruan Pienaar.

Sekekete will captain the men from Bloemfontein for the upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup and the Toyota Challenge.

Pienaar, who led the team on 35 occasions following his return to the franchise, wants to focus on his game as he winds down his career. 

"I'm nearing the end of my rugby career, and I want to focus on my game and enjoy it without the extra pressure of captaincy," said Pienaar, who will still play a role in the leadership group. 

On being named captain, Sekekete said he was both humbled and honoured to take on the role.  

"It's a great honour for me to captain the Toyota Cheetahs. I'm humbled to have the backing of the coaches and players to allow me to lead on and off the field and to be trusted with this big responsibility. I'm looking forward to the journey," he said.  

Sekekete joined the Cheetahs in 2020 and, since then, played in 33 matches for the Bloemfontein side, scoring three tries. 

He has been a regular starting team member for the past two seasons and recently received the Cheetahs Forward Award for the 2022 Currie Cup season. 

Sekekete, who played for the Junior Springboks in 2014, also represented the Golden Lions and the Southern Kings during his career.