Vincent Tshituka joined the Sharks for a fresh challenge

The good news for rugby in general is that the flanker feels he is still some way from realising his full potential. The bad news for Sharks supporters is that Vincent Tshituka will miss the first three rounds of the URC due to a shoulder injury.

When you consider the 23-year-outstanding old’s performance in a losing Lions cause earlier this year, this news is somewhat startling.

He took home four Man of the Match accolades and a URC Player of the Month title because he was all over the show.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but grew up in Johannesburg, so SA Rugby inquired about his eligibility for South Africa despite the rich loose forward stocks at the Springboks.

Tshituka hurried off to Home Affairs to apply for citizenship, and he reports that this matter is likely to be happily resolved soon.

It is understandable why Lions CEO Rudulf Straueli battled so tenaciously to retain Tshituka at Ellis Park when the Sharks came for him.

After a public tug-of-war, Straueli grudgingly allowed Tshituka to follow his powerful prop Carlu Sadie a few months earlier.

Tshituka was back in Johannesburg this week for the start of the new URC season at Vodaworld, and he seemed a bit different wearing Sharks attire.

He grinned, “The prospect for something new was the main reason I moved to Durban. “I have spent my whole childhood in Johannesburg and my entire professional career with the Lions, but I feel like I need a fresh challenge to help me go to the next level.

The way the Sharks are handling the players off the field is really promising; they want to ensure that your future is taken care of after rugby, he said.

“The Sharks have great ambitions, they are very ambitious, and they are looking out for your career post rugby,” he said.

He had shoulder surgery at the conclusion of the URC, but is now recuperating in Durban.

He said, “I am healing well, am regaining my strength, and I cannot wait to go back on the field.” “It has been a terrific year and I felt my form built throughout a period of games. What’s thrilling is that I feel like I’m not yet at the top — I have more to contribute, a lot more to give. It didn’t simply happen; it was progressive. I am therefore eagerly anticipating this fresh beginning.

The Sharks start their season against Zebre, who placed last in the last URC, then face the Dragons in Newport before concluding their campaign against Leinster, the tournament favourites, in Dublin.

“The trip is well organised. It is a build-up for Zebre, with the Dragons being a step up before the big game in Dublin, Tshituka said. I regret missing the match against Leinster since I also missed it against the Lions earlier this year. I would have wanted to have tested myself against them.

The Sharks’ current roster of loose forwards, which includes Dylan Richardson, James Venter, and Sikhumbuzo, is not too bad. Not She began yesterday’s match against the Stormers while also facing the Bok captain Siya Kolisi, Henco Venter, Thembelani Bholi, and Phepsi Buthelezi. Tshituka is aware of the challenge ahead.

I am fully aware of the calibre of the Sharks’ loose forwards, he confesses. “This is what will help me advance my game because I want to work in a setting where I feel pressure to consistently do my finest work, week in and week out. Although I’ve always attempted to accomplish that, this will inspire me even more.

Tshituka has played lock, blindside flank, and even No. 8 for the Lions, but his preferred position is obvious to him.

“I can play a variety of positions, but No. 7 is my preferred spot simply because it puts you in the thick of the action, and that’s my thing — my work ethic is my X-factor,” he said. “I want to contribute, but at seven, you’re right in the thick of defence, and on offence, you’re constantly expected to lead and generate momentum.

Can I take the ball? Yes, I’ve contributed fairly. I consider myself to be adaptable, but I also want to be in the thick of things, so position seven is ideal for me.