In a spirited display of confidence, Sharks head coach JP Pietersen is set to introduce schoolboy prodigy Zekhethelo Siyaya to the United Rugby Championship stage this weekend against the Ospreys. Despite a full-back injury crisis that has sidelined several key players, Pietersen expressed unwavering faith in the young talent’s abilities to rise to the occasion.
The Sharks, hailing from Durban, find themselves in a precarious position as they strive for a spot in the URC quarter-finals. With regulars Aphelele Fassi, Hakeem Kunene, and Luan Giliomee unavailable, and utility backs Jaco Williams, Yaw Penxe, and Jordan Hendrikse also missing the journey to Wales, the team’s depth is truly tested. Yet, the inclusion of Siyaya, an 18-year-old standout from Westville Boys High who has shone at both under-16 and under-18 levels as well as the South African schools team, brings a fresh spark to the squad.
Siyaya, who notched a memorable double against Ireland last year, will join Springboks Edwill van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker in the back-three. The team will be captained by Andre Esterhuizen, who returns at inside centre alongside Le Roux Malan. The scrum-half position sees Jaden Hendrikse making a welcome return from injury, pairing up with Jean Smith who will don the number 10 jersey.
"The mood in the camp is really good. We know we’re building something here and we know we basically need to win four out of four games to stand a chance to get into the top 8. The group is really motivated, we’ve had good chats, good training sessions and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead," said captain Andre Esterhuizen.
Despite traveling with the squad, Siya Kolisi will not feature in the matchday 23, with Pietersen choosing to delay his return. In his stead, Manu Tshituka will anchor the number eight position, flanked by Vincent Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi. The engine room will see Emile van Heerden and Jason Jenkins at lock, supported in the front row by Hanro Jacobs, Phatu Ganyane, and hooker Fez Mbatha.
Off the bench, the Sharks boast a robust 5-3 split, featuring Springboks props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, hooker Eduan Swart, lock Corne Rahl, and back-rower Nick Hatton. The backline reserves include Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, and Jurenzo Julius, ensuring depth and versatility in the squad’s approach.
The Sharks team facing the Ospreys at Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend, comprises: - Backs: Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Le Roux Malan, Andre Esterhuizen (c), Ethan Hooker, Jean Smith, Jaden Hendrikse. - Forwards: Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Jacobs, Fez Mbatha, Phatu Ganyane. - Replacements: Eduan Swart, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Corne Rahl, Nick Hatton, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius.
As the Sharks prepare for the clash, the blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers underscores their resolve to overcome adversities and make a significant impact in the remaining season.
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In a spirited display of confidence, Sharks head coach JP Pietersen is set to introduce schoolboy prodigy Zekhethelo Siyaya to the United Rugby Championship stage this weekend against the Ospreys. Despite a full-back injury crisis that has sidelined several key players, Pietersen expressed unwavering faith in the young talent’s abilities to rise to the occasion.
The Sharks, hailing from Durban, find themselves in a precarious position as they strive for a spot in the URC quarter-finals. With regulars Aphelele Fassi, Hakeem Kunene, and Luan Giliomee unavailable, and utility backs Jaco Williams, Yaw Penxe, and Jordan Hendrikse also missing the journey to Wales, the team’s depth is truly tested. Yet, the inclusion of Siyaya, an 18-year-old standout from Westville Boys High who has shone at both under-16 and under-18 levels as well as the South African schools team, brings a fresh spark to the squad.
Siyaya, who notched a memorable double against Ireland last year, will join Springboks Edwill van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker in the back-three. The team will be captained by Andre Esterhuizen, who returns at inside centre alongside Le Roux Malan. The scrum-half position sees Jaden Hendrikse making a welcome return from injury, pairing up with Jean Smith who will don the number 10 jersey.
"The mood in the camp is really good. We know we’re building something here and we know we basically need to win four out of four games to stand a chance to get into the top 8. The group is really motivated, we’ve had good chats, good training sessions and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead," said captain Andre Esterhuizen.
Despite traveling with the squad, Siya Kolisi will not feature in the matchday 23, with Pietersen choosing to delay his return. In his stead, Manu Tshituka will anchor the number eight position, flanked by Vincent Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi. The engine room will see Emile van Heerden and Jason Jenkins at lock, supported in the front row by Hanro Jacobs, Phatu Ganyane, and hooker Fez Mbatha.
Off the bench, the Sharks boast a robust 5-3 split, featuring Springboks props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, hooker Eduan Swart, lock Corne Rahl, and back-rower Nick Hatton. The backline reserves include Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, and Jurenzo Julius, ensuring depth and versatility in the squad’s approach.
The Sharks team facing the Ospreys at Electric Brewery Field, Bridgend, comprises: - Backs: Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Le Roux Malan, Andre Esterhuizen (c), Ethan Hooker, Jean Smith, Jaden Hendrikse. - Forwards: Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Jacobs, Fez Mbatha, Phatu Ganyane. - Replacements: Eduan Swart, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Corne Rahl, Nick Hatton, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius.
As the Sharks prepare for the clash, the blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers underscores their resolve to overcome adversities and make a significant impact in the remaining season.