The Pro14 derby between the Cheetahs and Kings on 20 January is set to be Makazole Mapimpi’s final match in Bloemfontein before joining the Sharks, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

A report out of Bloemfontein in December suggested Mapimpi might be remaining with the Cheetahs despite the Sharks having announced his signing in early November.

However, the Sharks confirmed to SARugbymag.co.za that Mapimpi has a binding contract with the Durban-based side and is set to report for duty on 23 January.

The impressive winger starred for the Kings in the 2017 Super Rugby season, and finished as the joint third-highest try-scorer in the competition (11). Mapimpi then made the move to the Cheetahs, and has scored nine tries in 10 matches in the Pro14.

Mapimpi will remain available to the Cheetahs for Saturday’s clash against Treviso, and the back-to-back games against the Kings on 13 and 20 January, before he is expected to join the Sharks.

In addition to the signing of Mapimpi, the Sharks announced last year that flyhalf Rob du Preez and utility back Leolin Zas would also be bolstering their backline ranks.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images