Regrouped Wildebeests ready for Cheetahs
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 20, 2026 11:55
Kick off is at 2pm at the Hogs ground. Last season, Wildebeests beat Cheetahs 34-12 in the Knock Out Cup group stages. However, Cheetahs gained revenge and knocked out Wildebeests in the semi-finals.
Wildebeests will see the return of tactician Mathews Porogo, who was not with the side last season. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, he said preparations for the match have gone according to plan, but it will not be easy against the Cheetahs. “I was not with the club last season, but we have regrouped. We have about five senior players who are new to the club culture,” said Porogo. “They are getting used to our play. We were also expecting one player from Zimbabwe, who was part of the team last season.”
Porogo added that because of a small pool of players in Jwaneng, they are forced to get talent from other departments.
“Basing on last season’s performance, Cheetahs are good and motivated to continue where they stopped. They have a group of players who have been working together for a long time, and the team chemistry is perfect. “But we are preparing for that and very much aware of our opponents,” he said.
Cheetahs’ coach, Tebogo Johannes, said they had early off-season training that prepared them for the upcoming campaign. He revealed that the squad is still intact and they have not lost any player; instead, there are new additions that should gel with the team for consistency and continuation.
“Basically, we work as a unit, and every player is as important as the other one. Our fly-half is fit and ready to go, and the other players are as well. We had a few injuries, but players have recovered, and we have a full squad with options in every position,” said Johannes.
He said the plan is simple, to defend the league title with conviction, so that their win last season cannot be regarded as a fluke.
Meanwhile, league silver medalists, Gaborone Hogs, will take on Jaguars. An explosive encounter is expected following the two sides' victories last weekend.
Hogs scored six tries against BUIST for a 33-5 victory. Jaguars also had a good season opener, beating cross-town rivals, Botho Ryders 22-0. Hogs and Jaguars are leading the log standings with five points each.
In the women’s division, Cheetahs and Hogs are leading the pack with three points each. The two sides will battle for supremacy, followed by Rhinos' clash against Ryders.