Cape Town - Oupa Mohoje will be leading the Cheetahs in the 2018/19 PRO14 championships.

Cheetahs coach Franco Smith made the announcement to the team almost a week before Mohoje's 28th birthday.

"Oupa is true Free Stater and the perfect example of a player who played his way through every rank. He earned a lot of respect by consistently working hard and is someone who doesn't give up," said Smith.

The HTS Louis Botha old-boy played for the UFS Shimlas in the Varsity Cup competitions from 2011-2013. In 2013, he captained Shimlas and was voted the 'Player That Rocks' for the competition.

Mohoje made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 for the Cheetahs against the Chiefs and played in a total of 39 Super Rugby games. He led them against the Bulls in 2017.

The flanker has represented the Free State Cheetahs in 21 Currie Cup matches and 16 times in PRO14 rugby, leading the side against the Kings in Bloemfontein in 2017.

In 2014, he made his Springbok debut against Scotland in Port Elizabeth, taking to the field as a replacement for Duane Vermeulen. He has played 19 times in the green and gold.

"Oupa gained a lot of experience playing for the Springboks and learned from the best. He is the right guy to take us forward. He is someone who wants to go forward,” said Smith.

Mohoje added: "It's a big honor and responsibility to captain the Cheetahs. I'm humbled to get the backing of the coaches and players to allow me lead on and off the field."