Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Panama in an international friendly in Cape Town on Tuesday night. The sides met for the second time in four days following their goalless stalemate at Moses Mab...
By Mpho Sekharume
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The romantic allure of a Bloemfontein return appears to have outweighed the lure of the pound and euro as Springbok legend Faf de Klerk prepares for a sentimental homecoming.
According to a report by SA Rugby Magazine, the back-to-back World Cup-winning scrumhalf is on the verge of finalising a two-year deal with the Toyota Cheetahs, a move that would see him spurn lucrative interest from overseas giants.
While official confirmation from the franchise remains pending - with the Cheetahs’ recent communications focusing on contract extensions for players like Marko Janse van Rensburg and Matome Manyama - the Bloemfontein-based outfit is reportedly closing in on the signature of the 34-year-old veteran whose contract with the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan reaches its conclusion this June.
The shift in scenery is deeply personal, driven by a desire for De Klerk to be closer to their family roots in the Northern Cape and Free State regions. Negotiations with several high-profile suitors, including a potential return to Sale Sharks in England and interest from French Top 14 side Perpignan, reportedly stalled as the scrumhalf set his sights on a South Afri can return.
Despite the massive pay cuts involved in choosing a domestic move over European or Japanese contracts, the Cheetahs have emerged as the frontrunners thanks to the recent financial backing of a local business consortium.
This fiscal stability has allowed Director of Rugby, Frans Steyn, to pursue marquee talent, viewing De Klerk as a vital asset to mentor rising stars in the squad. The move marks a significant full-circle moment for the iconic number nine, who has spent the last four seasons in Japan after a storied stint in the English Premiership.
As his international career enters its twilight years, the prospect of playing in the orange jersey provides a boost to the Free State faithful and adds a legendary spark to the local rugby landscape.
While fans await the final handshake from the Toyo ta Stadium offices, all indications suggest that the ‘Gi ant Slayer’ is ready to swap the neon lights of Yokohama for the familiar horizons of the Free State.
