Durban — The bad news for Sharks supporters is that flanker Vincent Tshituka will miss the first three rounds of the URC due to a shoulder injury, but the good news for rugby as a whole is that Tshituka believes he still has a ways to go before achieving his full potential.
Considering the 23-year-excellent old’s performance for a losing Lions form earlier this year, this is quite a surprise. Four Man of the Match honors and one URC Player of the Month award were his for the taking.
Even though the Springboks have an abundance of loose forwards, SA Rugby inquired about Tshituka’s eligibility for South Africa because he was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but grew up in Johannesburg. Tshituka rushed to Home Affairs to apply for citizenship, and he reports that the matter will be resolved soon.
Little wonder that Lions CEO Rudulf Straueli fought so hard to keep Tshituka at Ellis Park when the Sharks came hunting and a media tug-of-war ensued before Straueli reluctantly allowed Tshituka depart in the same route his powerful prop Carlu Sadie had gone a few months before.
Indeed, at this week’s start of the 2019 URC season at Vodaworld, Tshituka was back in Johannesburg, but wearing Sharks gear.
“The prospect for something new was the primary reason I moved to Durban,” he smiled. “Having spent my entire childhood in Johannesburg and my entire career with the Lions, I feel the need for a new challenge to propel me to the next level.
“The Sharks have interesting ideas, they are quite ambitious, and the way they are handling the players off the field is very encouraging – they want to ensure that your future after rugby is taken care of,” he continued.
Currently residing in Durban, he is recovering from shoulder surgery he suffered towards the conclusion of the URC.
He remarked, “I am healing well and regaining my strength; I can’t wait to return to the field.” “It’s been a fantastic year, and I believe my form improved across a number of contests. It didn’t simply happen; it was gradual, and what’s wonderful is that I don’t believe I’ve reached the pinnacle yet; I have much more to offer and contribute. So I eagerly anticipate this fresh beginning.”
The Sharks open against Zebre, who finished last in the previous URC, before facing the Dragons in Newport and tournament favorites Leinster in Dublin.
“The tour is nicely organized. Regarding Zebre, there is a buildup, with the Dragons serving as a stepping stone before the major game in Dublin, Tshituka remarked. “Leinster would have been a great opponent to face, and I’m disappointed to miss the game, as I missed it earlier this year with the Lions; I would have loved to have tested myself against them.”
The loose forwards now employed by the Sharks – Dylan Richardson, James Venter, and Sikhumbuzo – are competent. Not Tshituka knows he has a fight on his hands, since she started against the Stormers yesterday, along with Bok captain Siya Kolisi, Henco Venter, Thembelani Bholi, and Phepsi Buthelezi.
“I am well aware of the caliber of the Sharks’ loose forwards,” he acknowledges. “This is what will help me take my game to the next level because I want to be in an environment where I feel like I must consistently perform at my best week after week. I have always attempted to do so, but this will provide additional impetus.”
Tshituka has played blindside wing, No. 8 and even lock for the Lions, but his preferred position is crystal evident.
“I can play a variety of positions, but I prefer No. 7 because that’s where you’re most involved in the game, and that’s my thing — my work ethic is my X-factor,” he explained. “I want to contribute, but at seven you’re right in the thick of the defense, and on offense you’re always expected to carry the ball and generate momentum.
“May I steal the ball? Yes, I have contributed my bit. I consider myself adaptable, but I want to be in the middle of everything, therefore number seven is ideal for me.”
@MikeGreenaway67