BLOEMFONTEIN — The Free State Cheetahs have placed renewed emphasis on discipline and mental strength as they prepare for a pivotal Currie Cup Premier Division match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, kick-off 15:00.
Coach warns against complacency
At a media briefing in Bloemfontein, head coach Frans Steyn said there remained room for improvement across all areas of the team despite positive results early in the campaign. The Cheetahs are coming off a dramatic late victory over the Stormers and sit close to the top of the table after four matches.
Steyn emphasised a focus on basics and discipline, warning the squad not to underestimate any opponent — including the Bulls, who have struggled for results this season but still present a home challenge.
Skipper highlights mental toughness
Captain Neels Volschenk underlined the psychological side of the Cheetahs' preparations, saying the team must build and maintain a positive mindset and greater composure in tight moments.
“It is crucial for us to secure extra points if we want a home semi-final or final,”
“We want to be better each match we play. Against the Stormers we were not as good as we were against the Griquas, to whom we lost. We do not want to be naïve about how poor we were during the game. Even in the lead-up to winning the game, there was a lot of work that needed to be done to improve as a team,”
Volschenk said the four matches to date served as a benchmark for how the season might unfold and that the squad has shown progress in patches — but not yet its full potential.
Recent form and context
The Cheetahs claimed a 31-26 bonus-point victory over the Stormers in Cape Town with Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk scoring a late try to seal the result. Earlier in the season they suffered a defeat to table-toppers Griquas, a result both coach and captain acknowledged as a learning point.
Those performances have left the Steyn-led side tied near the top of the standings after four rounds, but the coaching staff have made clear that securing additional log points — potentially decisive for hosting rights in the semi-finals or final — remains a priority.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Vs Stormers (Cape Town) | 31-26 (bonus-point win) |
| Vs Griquas | Defeat (score not provided) |
| Season standing after 4 matches | Tied near the top of the table |
What the Cheetahs want from Sunday
Coaching staff have identified several priorities for the Loftus trip: maintain defensive discipline, secure turnovers at key moments, and convert scoring opportunities into maximum log points. The team is conscious that against lower-ranked opponents a lapse in focus can cost dearly.
- Protect the basics: set-piece stability and clean breakdown work.
- Mental resilience: close out matches without leaving results to the wire.
- Collect bonus points where possible to bolster their home semis/final ambitions.
The Bulls, despite a difficult run in the Premier Division, will be eager to recover at Loftus Versfeld, making the fixture a test of the Cheetahs' consistency under pressure.
Local implications
The outcome has practical consequences for Free State supporters: finishing the regular season with higher log points increases the likelihood of hosting crucial knockout fixtures in Bloemfontein. That would have financial and community benefits for local businesses and the fan base, who have already witnessed a handful of stirring performances this season.
For now, the message from the provincial camp is clear: good results must be matched by sharper execution and steadier composure. Coach Steyn and captain Volschenk have set the tone — and the Cheetahs will hope to show those principles translate to points on the road on Sunday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 at Loftus Versfeld. Supporters travelling from the province are advised to confirm transport and ticketing arrangements with official channels.
