Vincent Tshituka says he now feels completely at home in Durban and is relishing the chance to lead the Sharks on their Vodacom URC tour of Europe.
The 27-year-old flank swapped Joburg for the east coast in 2022 after a long stint with the Lions.
“It took me a while to feel at home, but I definitely am there now. I learned the Sharks language, I speak it, and I love the brand,” Tshituka told IOL Sport.
Now entrusted with the captaincy, Tshituka has his sights set on moulding a united squad ahead of fixtures against the Glasgow Warriors (on Friday night), the Newport-based Dragons and Leinster.
“We have quite a few more faces this season. It is about getting them to feel at home as quickly as possible, and to make playing for the Sharks feel normal. The Sharks’ way must become second nature, and the tour will help that,” he explained.
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Tshituka stressed that leadership is a shared responsibility, pointing to the presence of senior players Lukhanyo Am, Jaden Hendrikse, Francois Venter and Phepsi Buthelezi.
“Leadership is never a one-man journey. You need the buy-in from everyone. More than anything, I must set a standard that we can all chase, and all look to hit the mark every time.”
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The flank also reflected on a year of personal milestones. Tshituka finally secured South African citizenship, alongside brother Emmanuel, made his Springbok debut and got married.
“It has been a heck of a year, and I have been hugely blessed. As cool as it was to get my citizenship, that did not make me a Springbok. It just allowed me to be in the race to be a Bok. Getting my first cap was a massive high … and two weeks later I got married – that was the best day of my life.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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