Els ready to wade into the deep end of Shark tank
Former Hudson Park pupil Jordan Els thinks he’s heading in the right direction following his inclusion in the Sharks’ senior team.
Els is in the Sharks team to take on Blue Bulls in their opening Currie Cup match at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on August 25.
The youngster who’s currently in the Sharks U21 side, will be playing alongside his homeboys from East London who have also been included in the squad.
They are loose-forward Tera Mtembu, Courtney Winnaar, winger Aphelele Fassi and flank Kwanda Dimaza.
The Springboks hopeful told the Daily Dispatch during a
It’s good for me to start playing at this level because I’m going to continue learning a lot
coaching clinic hosted by the Sharks in KwaMashu, Durban on Wednesday that he was fortunate to have got the chance to prove himself to the world.
“It feels great to be in the team for the Currie Cup, because I’m playing for the U21s squad, so receiving this call-up was wonderful news to me and my family,” said Els.
“This year I played the SuperSport Rugby Challenge – and that was good experience for me, because there’s a lot I took out from that tournament.
“Playing in an open age group, the players in that group are more experienced and playing against them was a challenge because the game is more physical.
“But it’s good for me to start playing at this level at this young age, because I’m going to continue learning a lot.”
The 21-year-old loosehead prop, said he would maximise this opportunity to show his coaches he could withstand the pressure of playing in the senior team, as senior players like Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira were set to miss the Currie Cup, because of Springbok duties.
“Juan Schoeman will be playing Super Rugby and the other guy Mzamo Majola played the SuperSport Challenge with me.
“So I have to work hard and make sure that I play my part in the team.
“Because this is an eye-opener for me and good exposure, as you’d know this it’s a big competition that everyone follows hence I have to do well.”
Els added that playing for the Springboks was his ultimate goal – and he’d push until it happens.
“It just takes hard work and determination to make it to this team and I plan to keep my head down, so I can achieve more in the team.
“Because I’m waiting to see what happens in the future here at Sharks.
“But obviously, I’m aiming for the green and gold jersey – that’s the one thing that I’m working towards just like any other player in the sport.”