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Successful teams are often built off the back of a core of players around which a winning culture is developed, with the introduction of new players through the recruitment of existing stars as well as the development of junior talent coming through the local ranks.
Teams often need two or three years within that environment of continuity to build a foundation off which success becomes a natural by-product. Looking at the statistics for The Sharks, seven players from the current squad each boast over 100 combined caps in Absa Currie Cup and Vodacom Super Rugby with Jacques Botes closing in on 200 (he is currently on 187).
A further four could break the century mark this year and many are closing in on 50. Patrick Lambie who has become such a household name in South African rugby has 44 appearances for The Sharks in his short career as well as being capped at Rugby World Cup level for the Springboks. The youngster has committed to The Sharks for the long term, having extended his contract to stay in Durban.
“It is very pleasing for The Sharks that we are able to both retain our top players as well as attract from other to build a competitive team capable of winning trophies,” says Sharks (Pty) Ltd CEO Brian van Zyl.
“We also have some outstanding young players who have been identified, have gone through the ranks of The Sharks Academy or age group competitions, and have been retained for the long term. We are excited about the stature of player we have in the province and look forward to not only a successful campaign in the immediate future, but also in the years ahead.”
In terms of the long term procurement programme, Sharks Commercial Manager Rudolf Straeuli believes The Shark are winning on three levels.
“I believe that in terms of our youth, the excellence in signings [Springboks in particular], and the top black players coming through, we are on the right track,” he explains.
“Our youngsters are the future and all the main players have signed to 2013 and beyond. We have a stable squad and we’ve managed to give the coach what he wanted: Players that will make a difference.
“We have secured all the good young players and Springboks, none of them are leaving. We also have a stable coaching staff and environment and in the near future, we may be able to announce more signings.”
There is also a big emphasis on backing the local youth. Of the 54 ex-Academy players to have represented The Sharks, 30 came from KZN schools.
“Youngsters like Lwazi Mvovo, S’Bura Sithole, Lubabalo Mthembu and Patrick Lambie have all extended their contracts, as well as senior players like Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira and more. We are developing our young players, the locals. Our procurement plan is in place.”
