Siya to add to the healthy Sharks environment
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka revealed that the return of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will add to the healthy internal competition at the Durban franchise.
The Springbok star Kolisi has rejoined the Sharks after prematurely ending his contract with French Top 14 outfit Racing 92.
Kolisi joined the Top 14 club after leading the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup glory in 2023.
The 33-year-old stint was brief, only making 18 appearances for Racing due to injuries in the first season of a planned three-year contract.
#REACTION: Etzebeth on why Kolisi ‘should be in South Africa’ 👇#SouthAfrica #Springboks #Sharks #URC https://t.co/l93rTvCwEY
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 10, 2024
Kolisi’s return has been accompanied by loads of speculation.
According to RugbyPass, Kolisi’s imminent return has caused French clubs to turn their attention to the Sharks’ loose forward Vincent Tshituka, who is entering the final year of his contract with the franchise.
However speaking to reporters ahead of the Currie Cup seminal clash against the Bulls, Tshituka said that having Kolisi at the the Sharks just adds to the healthy internal competition.
Kolisi will join the already star-studded loose forward stock of 25-year-old Tshituka and his brother Emmanuel Tshituka, new Springbok Phepsi Buthelezi and James Venter.
“Having Siya back is massive for the Sharks and the team,” said Tshituka, who has made 27 appearances in two seasons since joining the Sharks from the Lions in 2022.
“He is monumental for South Africa as a whole anywhere he goes.
“We just privilege to have part of the union
“It is a healthy environment right now.
“As a team, we got competition in nearly every position and it’s healthy.
“Having him here with his leadership there is a lot that I can learn especially in my new role.
“I think he is the perfect person to learn from, so I’m just really excited.”
“My family and I love Durban and its people, and I cannot wait to run out onto the park at Kings Park during the 2024/2025 season”
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— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 9, 2024
Sharks assistant coach Joey Mongalo described Kolisi as an icon and praised the board for their negotiation skills.
According to reports, Kolisi’s return was made possible by businessman Vincent Mai, who paid up the £726,000 (R17 million) to buy him out of his contract.
Mai is a member of the consortium that owns the Sharks.
“Compliment to the big bosses who managed to get a guy like Siya back,” said Mongalo.
“He is an international icon.
“So to have him on in our space is just great.
“Siya along with other Springboks is another addition to the group here.
“Hopefully this group here will perform so that those guys can say that can’t wait to come back into the healthy Sharks environment.
“So the onus is on this group to keep fighting and make it difficult for those guys to get spots in the team
“It’s a massive privilege to coach those Springboks and Siya.”
