Is SA's latest rugby hero named Siya the man to help the Cheetahs reach Currie Cup glory?

It can't be a coincidence that the Cheetahs' previous two Currie Cup titles - in 2016 and 2019 - were achieved with a steady and consistent flyhalf in harness.

Neil Marais was in commanding form six years ago, while the enigmatic Tian Schoeman revived his career sufficiently in Bloemfontein to gain a contract with English side Bath.

Injuries and rotten luck have made it difficult for the central franchise recently to achieve consistency but, in Siya Masuku, there's hope that they have a conductor to unlock success again.

The 25-year-old pivot, who boasted a fine junior pedigree with the Lions, was recruited from the liquidated Southern Kings last year and had tongues wagging with some magnificent performances in the Toyota Challenge.

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A bout of Covid-19 means his year only starts against the Bulls at Loftus on Wednesday evening though the excitement over his appearance is almost tangible.

In fact, nothing illustrated that better than veteran and his half-back partner, Ruan Pienaar, being asked about how Masuku will benefit from having him and Frans Steyn next to him.

"I'm not actually even sure if he needs us," was the smiling former Sprinbok's candid reply.

Masuku, who blends a fine crafting game with an accurate goal-kicking boot, is an imposing physical specimen in the mould of Handre Pollard at 1.89m and 95kg.

"Siya has really grown into that No 10 role very well," said skipper Pienaar.

"I thought in the Toyota Challenge that he was outstanding. He was probably our best player in that series."

Importantly, Masuku shone without going too big on delivering the proverbial fireworks.

"Siya controlled things well, got the team in the right areas. He just led the team so well