Meanwhile, prop Tom Botha will also miss the clash having started a three-week suspension having been cited for dangerous tackle on Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson in the 23-13 Challenge Cup defeat last weekend.
“We got them [Cheetah’s trio] back with us. They travelled across when we arrived at the airport in Cape Town, said Kelly to Swansea Bay News.
“[Evardi] Boshoff, Victor [Sekekete] and Jeandré [Rudolph] have trained with us and will all be available.
“It’s great to have that boost, especially with the small squad sizes this time of year when the squad is looking a bit thin.
“They will [bring experience] as will Tom [Botha], who is our fourth South African to provide an indication of what to expect. They have also fitted in seamlessly into the team.
“They [Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake] have both returned to training, and it has been a lift to everyone.
“They are such good characters as well as players to have in and around the squad and it’s exciting to get them close to playing again.
“I think it will be too soon for Jac [to feature in the two South African games].
“I would love to see if we can get Dewi there for round two [against Bulls] but that will be advised from the medics on what is best for them.”
The Welsh region resume URC action this weekend in South Africa following their disappointing European departure with still plenty to play for domestically.
Toby Booth’s side lie in seventh place in the standings with five games remaining and continue to be in the mix for the play-offs after their 36-21 victory over the Lions in Swansea at the back end of March.
In a tightly fought battle for league placings, just four points separate the Ospreys from their opposition this weekend in fifth-placed Stormers, whilst one point splits the following five sides.
“We haven’t talked about it [the table] as a full playing and coaching group,” continued Kelly.
“You can look at last year as a guide which I think is 48 points. The way games fall it could be a few points either side of that margin.
“It is about maximising every point from every game and then with one or two games to go, you have a better idea of what you need. We need to squeeze every bonus point because every point will matter – it will be that tight.”
Realistically, the Ospreys will need to overcome the odds to achieve their target of a top-eight finish and with no Welsh region picking up an away league victory this campaign that will be no mean feat. Especially against a side unbeaten on home soil this season, with third-placed Vodacom Bulls to follow and leaders Leinster on the horizon in the upcoming weeks.
It will be one game at a time for Booth’s young side who have shown from their European exploits by winning in Johannesburg in January against the Lions that they can raise their best for the occasion.
Whilst Kelly admits the game is a huge challenge, he feels the Ospreys can pull off a surprise.
“The work the boys have put in through the season has put them in the position where they can look to try and reach the play-offs,” explained Kelly.
“They are certainly in a mindset of leaving no stone unturned.
“It will be difficult out here, but the stadium will be great to play in and it will be a great atmosphere.
“The Stormers will look to throw it about a bit, and they are very big and physical and are good on the set-piece.
“They also have good athletes behind so it will be a good game of rugby. They will look to test you ball in hand first and foremost.
“We are though used to being the underdog like when we played the Lions in Europe – we want to give the best account of ourselves.
“Even in that game, they dominate long periods. The biggest thing was the fight the boys showed for each other.
“Especially some of the younger guys who would have probably been written off going into the game and they never gave in. That is the mark of what they have built with the environment around each other.
“It is a huge challenge but will be a good entertaining game to watch.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
