Nkosi pays tribute to elders

Sharks wing Sbu Nkosi has paid tribute to teammates Lwazi Mvovo and Odwa Ndungane for their role in mentoring him ahead of the clash with the Stormers on Saturday.

Nkosi made his Super Rugby debut against the Western Force a couple of weeks ago and last weekend he bagged a brace in the 38-17 victory over the Sunwolves.

The former South Africa U20 player is delighted to be a part of the set-up and has expressed his gratitude to Ndungane and Mvovo, whom he reveals are boyhood heroes of his.

Nkosi told Supersport: “My place in the Sharks team, hopefully to face the Stormers on Saturday, is because of the plan the Sharks had for me and that included the mentorship of the two guys I respectfully call the elders. How do you explain the exhilaration that goes through you when the guys who were your boyhood heroes are suddenly the ones that are advising you on how to play rugby at professional level?”

Coach Robert Du Preez’s inclusion of the 20-year-old was initially met with some raised eyebrows as fans thought he might be too inexperienced to deal with the rigours of Super Rugby. However, Nkosi believes he has a mature head on his shoulders and is relishing the opportunity of testing himself against the Stormers.

“I have not been thrown in at the deep end. I have been part of the Sharks squad the whole season and toured with them, so I feel ready for the challenge of a South African derby, particularly against a team that loves to attack,” said Nkosi.

“I also love to attack and so does the entire Sharks backline, which feels like it is getting younger and younger. I am ready for this challenge because Odwa (Ndungane) taught me to treat every training session like it is a game. That is what I do, and I am ready for whatever the Stormers have to throw at us.”