SA ‘A’ opportunity fuels Manu Tshituka’s Bok ambitions
Sharks loose forward, Emmanuel [Manu] Tshituka, will fulfil a long-held dream on Saturday when he runs out for South Africa ‘A’ against the Zimbabwe Sables at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
While the exhibition match will act as a curtain raiser to the Springboks and Barbarians clash, it still holds huge significance for Tshituka, whose international career has taken a remarkable turn over the past 18 months.
That is because the Tshituka brothers, for many years, struggled to obtain South African citizenship after immigrating to the country 20 years ago from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They were finally granted their citizenships last year, and Vincent [Tshituka] went on to make his Springbok debut against the Barbarians in Cape Town before featuring against Italy during the mid-year Tests.
Manu, meanwhile, had to wait a little longer before joining the Bok fold, and ultimately had to pay his dues at club level.
He produced consistent performances for the Sharks in the URC and was eventually invited to a Springbok alignment camp.
The opportunity to play for the SA ‘A’ team alongside his brother will not only allow him to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world but also to throw his name into the hat as a potential Bok loose forward prospect.
“It’s a massive honour and privilege for myself and my brother,” Tshituka told reporters.
“18 months ago, we didn’t even think it was possible to be in this environment, so we are super grateful and excited to be in this environment.
“Our families, wives and everyone around us are excited and happy for us, and even more so us.”
Tshituka says his inclusion in the SA ‘A’ team and being around the Springboks has strengthened his belief that he could become a Bok player.
While the opportunity to don the green and gold has fuelled his Bok ambitions, he’s opted to stay in the moment and not think too far ahead.
“I definitely believe with the right amount of hard work and dedication, it’s possible [to be a Springbok],” he added.
“It’s a tough environment to say you’re going to be a Springbok; it’s not something that’s guaranteed. It’s more of a privilege than anything else.
“I’ve just told myself I need to work hard and try to bring the best of myself every day. The outcome will be the outcome, and I’m not trying to focus on whether I will be a Springbok or
not.
“I will stay in the moment and try to be present and take the opportunity that I have this weekend and see what happens.”
The versatile loosie, who says he’s been learning as much as he can from Bok captain Siya Kolisi, has also leaned on his brother during his time in the national team camp.
“He’s tried to give me as much advice as he can.
“Not just for the games but even for the training sessions in terms of the standards to uphold, and how to hold myself in training sessions.
“But it’s not just him, I’ve asked questions from quite a couple of players, and loose forwards that have been in this environment for quite a long time.”
Tshituka will line up in the loose trio with Lions rising star, Batho Hlekani and Sharks teammate, Phepsi Buthelezi, in a dynamic combination.
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