Sergeal Petersen
The Toyota Cheetahs have been dealt their first massive injury blow of the season when news filtered through that former SA Under 20 winger Sergeal Pietersen broke his jaw during Saturday’s pre-season friendly against the Vodacom Bulls in Polokwane.
Pietersen, who transferred to Bloemfontein from the EP Kings at the end of last season, went off the field early after a clash with a defender and was replaced by Clayton Blommetjies.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske confirmed that it would be a lengthy spell on the sidelines for Pietersen, who is a dynamite finisher.
“It looks like we’ve lost him for between 6 and 8 weeks,” Drotske said.
The Cheetahs still have Bok winger Cornal Hendricks, who missed the 30 / 13 loss to the Bulls, along with fellow Boks Willie le Roux and Teboho Mohoje and should be in action when they face the Stormers this coming weekend in their next pre-season friendly.
Drotske will be holding thumbs that he doesn’t lose another player as former SA Under 20 prop Maks van Dyk undergoes an MRI scan on Monday morning after being stretchered off with a suspected neck injury during the game on Saturday.
Van Dyk went for X-rays and a scan shortly after the game, which all cleared him of any damage, but the precautionary scan on Monday in Bloemfontein will bring more clarity.
SuperSport