Veteran lock Victor Sekekete says the Cheetahs are determined to make the most of their 2026-27 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.
Frans Steyn’s men face Bayonne at the Stade Jean-Dauger on Sunday, hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing campaign.
The Cheetahs lost all four pool matches, against the Exeter Chiefs, Stade Français, Ulster and Racing 92, although they came agonisingly close to winning their final encounter in Paris, conceding a late try to suffer a 31-28 defeat.
Speaking to OFM Sport, Sekekete said the Cheetahs were keen to test themselves against European opposition.
“I think there’s a lot of excitement in the team, especially with the squad we have now,” he said. “There’s a lot of experience across different positions, as well as a lot of young guys coming through the ranks.
“Everyone is looking forward to it, and I think our goal is very clear. We don’t just want to participate – we want to make the most of this competition.”
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Bayonne, who are fifth on the French Top 14 log after six rounds, have former Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies and utility back Robert du Preez in their ranks.
“They’re going to be physical, especially up front, and they have a good set of backs as well,” said Sekekete. “We know what we need to match and what we need to do.”
The 2023 Currie Cup-winning captain believes the Cheetahs learned from that painful defeat to Racing 92.
“We were right in it from the start, and it was a very tight game. There were good lessons to take from that experience.
“The time we’ve spent together since then has also been valuable, especially with the new players coming into the squad. We’ve introduced a few new things, and the additions have been good for the team.”
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Following Sunday’s clash, the Cheetahs host the Dragons at their new European base, St Helen’s in Swansea, on 13 December. They then visit Zebre in Parma on 10 January before hosting Perpignan on 17 January.
Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
The post ‘We don’t just want to participate’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Veteran lock Victor Sekekete says the Cheetahs are determined to make the most of their 2026-27 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.
The post ‘We don’t just want to participate’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
