DURBAN – Sbu Nkosi, the young flyer who had pictures of Lwazi Mvovo and Odwa Ndungane adorning his wall in school, was never going to be drawn into a politically correct answer when confronted with the notion that Western Province were favourites for the Currie Cup trophy come Saturday evening.
“Of course not! Of course not! I disagree,” Nkosi blurted passionately when offered Province’s favourable position in the final.
“I am a Sharks player. I don’t need to say any more. I want to win the Currie Cup final, and that is that.
“It’s a Currie Cup final. If that’s not enough motivation, then you’re not where you’re supposed to be.”
Despite the assertion that the Currie Cup means nothing to player, fan, or pundit alike, there is a lot at stake in Cape Town this weekend.
Nkosi is back after a lengthy injury layoff, and while he has not participated fully in the campaign, the Springbok wing is excited to be back to help his side to another bite at the Currie Cup cherry.
“Playing at Kings Park is a huge honour for me,” Nkosi said in regards to his return from injury. “I love playing for the Sharks. I won’t lie, I slept with a smile on my face (last) Saturday night.”
Nkosi’s return has helped him get back on track in time, but he also admits that after the semi-final against the Lions, the Sharks are in a good place and prepared to give it their all in the final.
“It was a great way to win a semi-final because it was good preparation for the final.
“Having all that pressure and showing the composure to seal the win at the end is the kind of thing we’ll need if we want to win the competition,” the wing added.
“Finals are tough, especially in terms of free space, because there isn’t much of it to be found.
“So, having a tight semi-final like we did prepares us well for the final against Western Province, because we’ll be faced with the same scenarios.”
The Sharks only lost to one team all season, and it was Western Province, but instead of looking at the negatives involved in that loss, Nkosi admits that the side have grown and moved into a better space.
The last time #OurSharks played against @WP_RUGBY in the final of @TheCurrieCup at Newlands Stadium, this happened!🏆
We hope history repeats itself for the @CellC Sharks this weekend!🏉 #TBT #WPvSHA #OurSharksForever🦈 pic.twitter.com/foYq90izWk
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) October 25, 2018
“We’re in a completely different space now. We’re comfortable with the shape we’re playing, we’re better with the decision-making, especially with regards to ball retention.
“So if we can build phases, we will inevitably build momentum, which will help to build a good innings against Western Province,” Nkosi concluded.
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