Cheetahs take flight

2003-05-02 22:00

Hendrik Cronjé

Bloemfontein - The Free State Cheetahs had to make a speedy exit from their plane at Johannesburg International on Friday after fears that the aircraft might catch fire.

No-one was injured and the side's Vodacom Cup match against the Eagles in Springs went ahead as planned.

Harold Verster, president of the Free State Rugby Union, says "the pilot told us just outside Bloemfontein that there's a technical hitch and there won't be air-conditioning.

"He also said because of the hitch, they would fly lower than normal," Verster added.

They had no inkling that the problem was serious.

"During the landing process the pilot brought the aircraft to a quick standstill and turned everything off. He stormed out of the cockpit and ordered us to use the emergency exits."

Verster, players Riaan Vermeulen and André Wessels as well as team physiotherapist James Wessels immediately opened the emergency exits before they, the other players and passengers jumped almost two metres onto the tarmac.

"We were ordered to walk away from the aicraft. On seeing that the pilot was already standing in the veld, we realised this was very serious.

"However, the fire brigade was at the plane within seconds and everything was brought under control," Verster said.

Verster, Wessels, Peet Kleynhans, the coach, and Vermeulen tried to catch the players as they jumped from the aircraft in an attempt to minimise injuries.

André Wessels is the only player who sustained a slight injury.

- Volksblad