SIBUSISO Sithole, who won plaudits for another fine performance at outside centre on Saturday, showered praise on Sharks coach Jake White for resurrecting his career.
Sithole won the man-of-the-match award in the Sharks’ 25-12 win over the Lions at Ellis Park, putting on a display that dispelled doubts about his shift from wing to outside centre.
For years he was starved of opportunity at the Sharks despite the promise he showed at academy level as well as during his time as a Springbok Sevens star.
It took a man of White’s vision to see how effective the 23- year-old could be when given more chances in the first XV jersey, in a position that puts him in the thick of action.
“I’ve basically been converted into a centre,” said Sithole.
“The coach told me in pre-season already that I would come on to the field as a centre most of the time and cover at wing. The switch has definitely added to my game and has made me a better player.
“I can now showcase more of what I can do on defence and attack. I’m more involved in the game whereas I had less opportunities during the game at wing and my talents were hidden. I’m doing more of the things that I’m good at like defending, which I enjoy.”
Sithole stole the turnover ball that gave wing-cum-fullback Lwazi Mvovo – another man who has White’s vision to thank for his resurgence – a chance to attack the Lions defence and score the decisive try.
The Queen’s College old boy could not buy a chance of first team action during John Plumtree’s time at the Durban outfit.
He would impress in one match but then drop out of the match 23 without an explanation from the former coach, while rookies such as Sean Robinson received free passes into the starting line-up.
But this year Sithole is loving life under White. “Jake and Sean Everitt’s influence has been the biggest factor in the way that I have been playing,” said Sithole.
“The change of management structure has given me a chance to showcase what I can do and the new game plan has suited the way I want to play my rugby. I didn’t play often when Plumtree was in charge; maybe I didn’t suit his gameplan, but White makes me want to do the best I can and improve where I can.
“I enjoy the way Jake coaches and the way the team is being handled. It is definitely more professional and there is a more hands-on approach by the coach.”
The languid Cheetahs, who have leaked a flood of tries this season, visit the Shark Tank this Saturday in a game that could allow the likes of Sithole, Mvovo and JP Pietersen to rack up the try tally.
Sithole was cautious ahead of the clash, though, preferring not to underestimate the erratic Free Staters, even though he relishes the chance to stretch his legs in an open game.
Sithole loves life under Great White
Sithole won the man-of-the-match award in the Sharks’ 25-12 win over the Lions at Ellis Park, putting on a display that dispelled doubts about his shift from wing to outside centre.
For years he was starved of opportunity at the Sharks despite the promise he showed at academy level as well as during his time as a Springbok Sevens star.
It took a man of White’s vision to see how effective the 23- year-old could be when given more chances in the first XV jersey, in a position that puts him in the thick of action.
“I’ve basically been converted into a centre,” said Sithole.
“The coach told me in pre-season already that I would come on to the field as a centre most of the time and cover at wing. The switch has definitely added to my game and has made me a better player.
“I can now showcase more of what I can do on defence and attack. I’m more involved in the game whereas I had less opportunities during the game at wing and my talents were hidden. I’m doing more of the things that I’m good at like defending, which I enjoy.”
Sithole stole the turnover ball that gave wing-cum-fullback Lwazi Mvovo – another man who has White’s vision to thank for his resurgence – a chance to attack the Lions defence and score the decisive try.
The Queen’s College old boy could not buy a chance of first team action during John Plumtree’s time at the Durban outfit.
He would impress in one match but then drop out of the match 23 without an explanation from the former coach, while rookies such as Sean Robinson received free passes into the starting line-up.
But this year Sithole is loving life under White. “Jake and Sean Everitt’s influence has been the biggest factor in the way that I have been playing,” said Sithole.
“The change of management structure has given me a chance to showcase what I can do and the new game plan has suited the way I want to play my rugby. I didn’t play often when Plumtree was in charge; maybe I didn’t suit his gameplan, but White makes me want to do the best I can and improve where I can.
“I enjoy the way Jake coaches and the way the team is being handled. It is definitely more professional and there is a more hands-on approach by the coach.”
The languid Cheetahs, who have leaked a flood of tries this season, visit the Shark Tank this Saturday in a game that could allow the likes of Sithole, Mvovo and JP Pietersen to rack up the try tally.
Sithole was cautious ahead of the clash, though, preferring not to underestimate the erratic Free Staters, even though he relishes the chance to stretch his legs in an open game.
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