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DRC-born Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka has his sights set on the Springboks, saying representing South Africa “would be the highest honour”. Currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, the 26-year-old powerhouse shared both his personal goals and the Sharks’ future in an interview with Sunday newspaper Rapport. “To pull on the green and gold [jersey] will remain a dream until the day I hang up my boots,” said Tshituka. “Considering my background as a foreigner and the fact that I did not go to a traditional rugby school, it’s overwhelming. “Playing for South Africa would be the highest honour.” Since…
Springboks prop Ox Nche and an insert of Sharks head coach John Plumtree. The Sharks have warded off the interest of French Top 14 club to retain the services of Springboks loosehead prop Ox Nche. A Rugby World Cup winner with South Africa last year, the powerhouse prop’s contract was expiring at the end of the current season and it was reported that the Durban-based franchise were on the fence about whether they should extend his stay or not. Ox Nche signs long-term deal with the Sharks This is due to the sheer number of high-profile Boks on their payroll…
Kaizer Chiefs are mourning the passing of one of their most talented and popular former players, Peter ‘Pele’ Mokotedi. Kaizer Chiefs are mourning the passing of one of their most talented and popular former players, Peter ‘Pele’ Mokotedi. Kaizer Chiefs are mourning the passing of one of their most talented and popular former players, Peter ‘Pele’ Mokotedi, who thrilled the Amakhosi faithful with his mesmerising skills between 1980 and 1983. For the latest Kaizer Chiefs news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section for free-to-read content Mokotedi caught the attention of professional scouts while playing for Naughty Boys FC in…
South Africa’s struggles in the Champions Cup may have more to do with how they play, than where and when, writes ZELIM NEL. After two rounds of Champions Cup action, the three SA teams in the competition have combined for one win in six matches, and an aggregate score of 112-215. State of the URC: SA rivals reload for red-hot derbies Arduous travel schedules, short weeks and injuries have certainly contributed to the problem, but I’m not sure it’s as simple as lumping responsibility on uncontrollable factors. A clue to the quality of the players in the competition is in…
Head coach John Plumtree has defended his call to rest the Sharks’ frontline players in a heavy Investec Champions Cup defeat against the Leicester Tigers on Saturday. Speaking post-match, Plumtree did not hold back after the Sharks went down 56-17 at Welford Road, voicing frustration over South African rugby’s scheduling demands. He hinted at the sport’s administrators overloading players, leading him to leave Springbok stars such as Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche back in Durban. “We want to bring Siya here. We want to bring our best here… what a showcase,” said Plumtree. “I want to go out there and…
Springboks Ox Nche and Pieter-Steph du Toit against Ireland via SA Rugby X world rugby rankings The World Rankings are set for a shake up at the top with the Springboks and Ireland most affected. Take note NZ and France. The Rugby World Rankings will see some movement with both the Springboks and Ireland affected. The Springboks are on top of the latest World Rankings. Meanwhile, rivals Ireland sit second with New Zealand in third and the France in fourth. Interestingly, all of these sides have the opportunity to earn points in several tests by July next year – except…
Kitshoff: I’m not done yet While sharing details of a neck injury that nearly cost him his life, Springbok and DHL Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff is upbeat about packing down for club and country again. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Rapport, the 32-year-old revealed how a Currie Cup match against Griquas in September ended with him just millimetres away from disaster. “It was just another scrum, then three cracking sounds – pop, pop, pop,” Kitshoff recalled. “I played on, thinking it was a muscle strain. “Today I know: I was two millimetres from a catastrophe, from my death.” Kitshoff…
Following a dominant 56-17 victory for Leicester Tigers over the Sharks at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday, here are our winners and losers from the Investec Champions Cup clash. Winners Handre Pollard The Springboks hopefuls should probably be thankful as they got a free lesson from a double Rugby World Cup winner on Saturday. While the breakdown and maul were other points of difference in the clash, the ease with which Pollard got Leicester up the field was simply masterful. He is still a huge part of Rassie Erasmus’ plans, but there is no doubt that the South Africa head coach is searching for other…
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Edward Manqele, has explained why he struggled to establish himself at both South African football giants. Manqele joined Sundowns from Free State Stars in 2012, but his time at the Pretoria-based club was cut short in 2014. He then moved to Chiefs in 2015 from Chippa United, where he stayed until 2017. According to Manqele, the intense competition for places at Sundowns hindered his progress. The club had a many quality strikers, making it difficult for him to secure regular playing time. At Chiefs, while the competition was less fierce compared to Sundowns,…
Wales great Dan Biggar insists that changes need to be made if the Investec Champions Cup is to thrive with the inclusion of the South African teams. After their franchises – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – joined the United Rugby Championship, they were able to qualify for the continental competition. The South African outfits already have to travel to long distances and their inclusion in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup has impacted them even more. It is obviously also difficult for those travelling from Europe to South Africa. As a result, teams feel that they need to…