Tera gets his team's backing

 

Mtembu made history when he was unveiled as the Sharks 72nd captain, becoming the costal franchise's first black captain.

 

Sharks Currie Cup coach, Brad Macleod-Henderson was full of praise for his up-and-coming loose forward – both in his leadership role and in his playing ability.

 

“Tera [Lubabalo Mtembu] is an outstanding rugby player and as a coach, you want to be sure that the person you’re selecting as your captain is certain of his position in the starting line-up every week and Tera’s performances definitely warrant that," Macleod-Henderson told the Sharks website.

 

“He’s a young guy with a bright future, I’m looking forward to working with him as coach and the team are looking forward to working with him.”

 

Mtembu doesn’t just have his coach’s confidence in him, but that of his team mates too.

 

“We’ve chatted to the players and they’re all excited for Tera,” Macleod-Henderson added.

 

“They’re fantastic individuals and we know Tera will have their full support.

 

"This is going to be a young squad but there are some old heads who have had leadership roles in the past who can help him out.”

 

As defending champions, the Sharks will have added pressure when they kick-off their season against the men from Kimberley.

 

The coach has spoken of the quick turn around some of his team face having just come off a Super Rugby semifinal defeat to the Crusaders

 

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge,” the head coach said.

 

“We’re excited about the campaign ahead; it’s a tough competition, back-to-back week after week and a couple of our competitors have had a fair bit more time to prepare than us, but that’s one of the consequences of being the most successful South African franchise in the Super Rugby competition this year. 

 

"There will be a few new exciting faces out there led by a new captain.”

 

“The Currie Cup is a fantastic competition with heaps of history.

 

"It has a special place in all South African rugby supporters’ hearts.

 

"We’re looking forward to it, it’s a short, sharp competition and we’re going to go out there and give it a full go.”