Mtembu first black captain of Sharks
DURBAN: Lubabalo “Tera” Mtembu says it is a “great honour” to lead the Sharks after he was yesterday appointed as the first black captain of the franchise.
Sharks director of rugby Jake White said Mtembu has the potential to become a more consistent Super Rugby player, who could go on to claim international honours.
The 23-year-old Mtembu, will lead the side during the defence of their Currie Cup crown.
“Tera is a talented player and I have great faith in his ability,” White said. “My hope is that he embraces this leadership role and gains valuable experience as the tournament progresses.”
The loose forward came through the Sharks Academy ranks, before making his Super Rugby and Currie Cup debuts in 2012.
His impressive leadership qualities led to White often hand- ing him the captaincy duties during this year’s Vodacom Cup.
Mtembu said he looked forward to the challenge. “It is a great honour and privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading a worldrenowned team such as the Sharks,” Mtembu said.
“I thank our CEO, John Smit, director of rugby, and the rest of our coaching staff for believing in me and for affording me this opportunity.
“I know that I will have the support and backing of our coaching staff, younger players, and the senior group of players in our squad. As a team we will work together to ensure that we reach our goals in this year’s competition.”
Mtembu has made 16 appearances for the Sharks in Super Rugby. His most outstanding performance came in the 30-25 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch during May.
“I am delighted that Tera has been handed the captaincy for the Currie Cup tournament,” Smit said.
“He becomes the 72nd player to be given the honour of captaining a Sharks team and more impressively for him, the first black player to do so.”
The Sharks begin their Currie Cup campaign against Griquas in Kimberley on August 9. – Sapa