DESPITE the departure of ten top Free State rugby players and financial difficulties, Free State Cheetahs enter their upcoming season with optimism. Cheetahs’ executive director, Harold Verster, said it was a long time since he had been so excited about the Cheetahs’ chances, but said that they needed the support of the Free State to win. Stalwarts Chris Badenhorst, Ryno Opperman and Jaco Coetzee will be joined by several top contracted players, including Springbok Os du Randt — who has recovered from his knee injury and will soon be in action — Andre Venter, Naka Drotske and Braam Els. The Cheetah’s open their season on Saturday against Natal at Free State Stadium.