The Toyota Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd are excited to announce that the eighth man, Junior Sipato Pokomela, has signed a 2 year contract with the Cheetahs.  Pokomela joined the Kings after leaving school in 2015 and was an integral part of their successes in the U19 competition. In 2016 he was selected as vice-captain of the SA U20 team, where he proved to be a stand out player in the U20 World Cup.

Despite his leadership capabilities, Pokomela is known for his big ball carries as well as his defensive prowess. At just over 1.9m tall he is also a great lineout option and his physical presence will definitely add value to the Cheetahs line-up. 

“I am very excited to be joining the Cheetahs” said Pokomela. “After visiting them in Bloemfontein, I knew the Cheetahs was the place for me”

Director of Rugby, Rory Duncan, added: “We’re very excited to have Junior on board with us. He is an exciting youngster who will add great value to the team. The Cheetahs look forward to further developing Junior into a senior international player.”

Born:       10 December 1996 (age 19)

Height:    1.90

Weight:   102 kg

School:     Attended Grey High School, Port Elizabeth

2012 - EP under 19 Grand Khomo.

2014 - EP under 19 Craven Week and was included in the SA Schools team.

2015 - EP under 19 squad.

2016 - Played Varsity Cup for NMMU.

2016 – SA U20 (Captain and Vice-captain)

Good Weekend

Free State Rugby had a good weekend with four of its teams on the winning side on Saturday.

The Toyota Free State Cheetahs u.19’s beat the Leopards with 24 -19 in Potchefstroom.  This was their fourth consecutive win in the national competition. 

The Toyota Free State Cheetahs u.21’s beat the Leopards with 43 -26.  A great start to their season. 

The Free State Woman’s side who played in a curtain raiser for the Toyota Free State Cheetahs and Boland in Wellington, was victorious over their counterparts from Boland, beating them with 62 – 12.

In the main match of the day, the Toyota Free State Cheetahs beat Boland with 44 – 16.