The Sharks have turned to a teenager following the injury of veteran lock Eben Etzebeth and Aphelele Fassi. Indeed, Eben’s loss is a massive one, but the Sharks had been working well with the juniors. Among them is talented fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, who came in to join the squad for the United Rugby Championship match against Ospreys.
With the squad taking off, some big names like Siya Kolisi welcomed Zekhethelo to the team. Indeed, the platform is there for the young fullback to shine, and the veterans are supporting him.
“✈️ –> 🏴 @sharksrugby, Welcome @mzekezeke.15 🦈” Siya said welcoming the teenager.
WHO IS ZEKHETHELO SIYAYA?
The talented young full-back Zekhethelo Siyaya is 18 years old. Siyaya attended Westville Boys’ High, where he played rugby, representing the province at the Under 16 and Under 18 levels. He also represented South Africa in the Under 18′
With his debut on the cards in the coming few days, many fans are behind him, cheering him to go all the way and impress.
FANS WELCOME SIYAYA ZEKHETELO
As the Springboks captain and veteran Sharks number 8, Siya Kolisi welcomed Zekhetelo Siyaya, and fans also showed him love. They believed he was ready for the challenge and wanted to see him help the Sharks in the coming games.
@Mnumzane Ngwenya ISlwanesamanzi “Zekhethelo Siyaya, my former grade 6 and 7 learner 🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏 Shine boy!!”
@Andyle Sergio Blanca Cele “@jppietersen “if he’s good enough, then play him!
@Phelelani Zonke, “I truly respect how you embrace the young leaders in their first outing in the big league. A whole 2 time world cup winning captain affirming your selection is deserved as an 18-year-old, that takes away the imposter syndrome instantly. What a leader👊”
@Vondrasvura Vura “@siyakolisi @mzekezeke.15 Suka emaBozeni! Isukile keManje. Mele baguqe ngamadolo ephesheya! Qina Nkunzi emnyama 💪🏽🌍🇿🇦”
SHARKS FULL SQUAD
With Siya Kolisi and Zekhethelo Siyaya in the squad, here is the full squad for the tour.
Forwards: Corne’ Rahl, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Emmanuel Tshituka, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Nick Hatton, Ox Nche, Phatu Ganyane, Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka, Willem van den Hever
Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Bradley Davids, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Jaden Hendrikse, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius, Le Roux Malan, Makazole Mapimpi, Ross Braude, Siya Masuku, Zekhethelo Siyaya