Free State Rugby confirmed that Daniel Kasende will leave the Toyota Cheetahs after the Currie Cup to join Ospreys in Wales. 

“It has been a pleasure to play and work with Dan, and we certainly can’t doubt the excitement and dedication he brought to the team since he joined the side. He is a true Free State wing. We want to thank him for that, and we hope to send him off on a high note at the end of the season. Our doors will always be open to him.” Said Frans Steyn, Director of Rugby at the Toyota Cheetahs. 

“We are sad to see him go but also happy about the opportunity he was given at the Ospreys. We have a strong relationship with them and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

Kasende made his debut for the Toyota Cheetahs on 13 November 2021 in the first Toyota Challenge match against Western Province. He has 48 caps and is expected to earn his 50th cap this season. 

“It goes without saying that the Cheetahs hold a special place in my heart since I got here in 2021.  It’s been a really fantastic time.” Said Daniel Kasende.

“The Bloem Faithfuls!  The supporters have been amazing on and off the field, just in the malls and public. They’re really good to players. And then I think just the team itself—I have gained a lot of brothers. I was privileged to play with some of my childhood heroes. Growing up, you know, watching Oupa Mohoje, Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn, Clayton Blommetjies, and Rosko Speckman—for them to become my teammates and brothers, to be able to sit and have conversations with them, that’s really something special to me.”

“I’m grateful to the coaches, especially Coach Hawies Fourie, who allowed me to join the Cheetahs. To the board and everyone who backed me, allowed me to express myself on the field, and was there for me off the field. You know, I’m a pretty entertaining guy. I come with many tricks, and I’m always loud and talkative. It is tough for me to leave the guys who became close to me, but I guess it’s a part of the journey, and it’s a part of life’s journey where you’ve got to keep moving forward.”

“It’s definitely a special place. We still have a few more games, and I’m quite focused on that. I haven’t left yet—I will still give it my all. Each and every game, we’re pushing for this Currie Cup, and hopefully, we can leave things on a high.