Sharks help out struggling Kings
Southern Kings Chief Operating Officer Charl Crous said Mjekevu, who had been based at the Sharks, had been released this week to assist the Southern Kings, who have been battling with a number of injuries to their backline.
Most recently the Kings have lost Luzuku Vulindlu to a hamstring tear and Elgar Watts to a tendon strain in his foot, but are also currently missing the services of Malcolm Jaer, who had a phenomenal first half of the season, as well as Siyanda Grey, Charles Radebe and Stefan Watermeyer.
"We have negotiated with the Sharks to loan Mjekevu to the Southern Kings for the remainder of the season and have followed all the necessary requirements to record the changes with SANZAAR," said Crous.
Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold also said that the loan would benefit both unions as Wandile's stay with the Kings will boost his Super Rugby experience.
“Wandile has just returned from injury and we have heeded the call from the Kings who are in need of his services for their remaining four fixtures," said Gold.
"This stint for the Kings will provide him with a good opportunity to get some Super Rugby game time under his belt, before he returns to Durban for the Sharks' Currie Cup campaign.”
Mjekevu, 25, represented South Africa in the World Junior Championships in both 2010 and 2011. He started his career with the Johannesburg-based Golden Lions. He represented them at Under-16 level in 2007 and at the 2008 Craven Week tournament.
After playing for the Golden Lions U19 side in 2008 and 2009, he made his first class debut for the Lions in their 2010 Super 14 match against the Stormers, and made a total of ten appearances during the tournament.
The following season, he made four appearances for the Golden Lions in the 2011 Vodacom Cup and eleven appearances for the Golden Lions in the 2011 U21 Provincial Championship.
In 2012, Mjekevu returned to his hometown of Durban to join the Sharks. He made six appearances for them during the 2012 Vodacom Cup and played 13 matches for the Sharks XV during the 2012 U21 Provincial Championship.
In 2013, Mjekevu signed a deal to join French Top 14 side Perpignan, making 15 appearances for them in the 2013–14 Top 14 season. He also scored two tries in three appearances for them in the 2013–14 European Cup. The following season he made 18 appearances in the 2014–15 Pro D2 helping Perpignan finish in third place on the log.
Mjekevu returned to the Sharks prior to the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division, signing a two-year deal with the team. He has already joined the Southern Kings training sessions, effective from today, and will be available for selection for the upcoming game on Friday against the Jaguares.
