Cape Town - The Cheetahs' exciting new scrumhalf Pieter van Zyl has made it clear that he's not the next "Super-Sarel" in Bloemfontein.

Van Zyl is expected to start in the No 9 jersey for the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby opener against the Lions next Saturday.

It will be Van Zyl's first taste of Super Rugby after star scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius opted to join Australian team, the Waratahs.

Pretorius was last year named as South Africa's Player of the Tournament after some exceptional performances.

And Van Zyl, who is also a strong attacking player, is viewed as the perfect candidate to follow in Pretorius's shoes but the 22-year-old doesn't want to be compared to Pretorius.

"I learned a lot from Sarel, but I think every player is good in his own way.

"I don't want to be compared to Sarel.

"I'm a different player and want to make my own name," Van Zyl told Volksblad.

Van Zyl and Pretorius are set to come face-to-face when the Cheetahs meet the Waratahs in Bloemfontein on May 26.

The younster made his debut for Free State in last year's Currie Cup and quickly made the position his own.

"I'm hoping to do the same as I did in 2011's Currie Cup.

"I want to use my chance and make it a bigger year than last year," said Van Zyl.