AUDIO: From DRC to RSA - The peculiar journey of a star
It might not be an official Springbok Test cap, but for utility forward Vincent Tshituka, Saturday’s fixture against the Barbarians is nothing short of a dream come true.
Tshituka, born on September 10, 1998, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of four uncapped players in the Springboks’ starting line-up that will take on the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium.
Asenathi Ntlabakanye (prop), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker), and Neethling Fouché (prop) are the other inclusions in the squad.
“It’s a dream come true just to be in the Springboks’ set-up,” Tshituka told reporters in Cape Town.
“Not just for me – anyone who plays rugby wants to compete at this level.
“It’s an environment where you can only get better.
“Just to be part of it, and to be selected for this game, is a dream come true.”
While there will be loads of excitement surrounding the match against the bAAbAAS, with fans certainly expecting some expansive brand of rugby from the flank, who can play lock as well.
However, not neglecting his raw talent, the Sharks star stated he has been working hard to find balance between his style and Springboks’ as he pushes for selection in the upcoming Tests against Italy and Georgia.
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“For me, the green and gold is already a spectacle on its own. Not just for me, but for my family as well, who supported me on this journey.
“Cape Town is known for its crowd. They will be loud – it will be an atmosphere that’s hard to forget.
“But I have to put that aside and bring my best game forward.
“As much as it’s not an official Test, it’s still an opportunity at this level, and it means everything to me.”
He added: “My brother [Emmanuel, Sharks loose forward] told me to stay aligned and stick to the structure.
“But at the same time, I want to bring Vincent to the table.
“It is something I’m working on because there are structures, and I have to align with what the team wants to do before I can see where I can bring myself into the team.”
In the last couple of years, Tshituka has built an incredible reputation at club level.
At the Lions, he was a standout performer and continued on that trajectory when he joined the Sharks in 2022.
With his strong carries and impressive breakdown play, he has become an integral part of the Durban side — a team already packed with Springboks.
He captained the Sharks to a Currie Cup title in 2024 and helped them become the first South African team to win European silverware when they beat Gloucester in the Challenge Cup Final in 2023.
“I have been privileged to work with a couple of Springboks at the Sharks.
“But it’s different when you’re in a national camp.
“Because now, you’re working with your heroes. I remember seeing Pieter-Steph du Toit and thinking: ‘That’s one of the greats.’
“Just that feeling, and the privilege, is something not many get.
“What’s nice is that everyone is working together, and everyone wants to achieve the same thing.
“Everybody is willing to help, and I’ve enjoyed that.”
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It has not been all smooth sailing for the star, as his dream of becoming a Springbok once looked bleak due to delays in receiving his ID.
The 26-year-old had already obtained citizenship and a South African passport.
However, he finally got his call-up in May, joined his first Springbok alignment camp, and now prepares to face the Barbarians.
“At the back end of the season, people kept telling me I was going to play for the Springboks, but I always tried to put it on the back burner.
“For me, it was about getting the passport and becoming eligible. Without it, I was never in the race.
“So getting it was the ticket to participation – and then being selected was winning the medal.”
