Sharks circling: Two more big-name players heading to the ‘tank’
If reports are to be believed, the Sharks look set to welcome some more star players to their squad roster in the near future.
As already reported by the South African earlier this week, talented Bulls back Wandisile Simelane could be set to join the Sharks initially on a short-term loan deal, but one which could become permanent once his current contract expires next year.
Having joined the Bulls from local rivals the Lions in 2022, Simelane has seen just five minutes of game time across six rounds this season, and a move to a club where he’d hope to receive more playing opportunities would make sense.
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Simelane is still just 25-years-old and remains one of the most naturally gifted backs in SA rugby, while another youngster could also be set to make the move to the coast from Gauteng.
According to other reports, Emmanuel Tshituka – who can play across the back row – could be set to join older brother Vincent at the Sharks when his Lions contract runs out in June 2024.
Over the last couple of years, the Sharks have made a host of big signings, and will want to reap the rewards sooner rather than later.
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SHARKS BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Meanwhile, the crunch SA Shield derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday will showcase an electrifying showdown between Sharks star Aphelele Fassi and Bulls playmaker Willie le Roux.
Fassi has made a flying start to the 2023-24 United Rugby Championship and scored a try-double in last week’s emphatic victory over the visiting Welsh Dragons, while World Cup-winner Le Roux returned from a Springbok-enforced break to make his Bulls debut in style, dotting down for one of his team’s seven tries in an impressive destruction of Connacht.
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Fassi has made more carry metres than any other player in the URC this season (565) and was directly involved in 10 line breaks in total, making six himself and assisting a further four, the most of any player.
The 25-year-old turned down lucrative offers to leave Durban and resigned with the Sharks, determined to soar to new heights with his boyhood club.
“The main reason I stay is because I still want to do more for this jersey at the Sharks,” said Fassi.
“Coming into the new season, I need to focus on getting that consistency in my performance, reviewing where I can improve after each game.”
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WHERE TO WATCH
Saturday, December 2
Bulls v Sharks
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA / 15.00 SA
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