Zekhethelo Siyaya: A star is born amidst Sharks’ play-off heartbreak in Wales

The Sharks fought bravely but ultimately came up short in their do-or-die United Rugby Championship clash against the Ospreys at Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend on Saturday night.

One of the undoubted bright spots in the narrow 21-17 defeat was the thrilling debut performance of 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya — further proof that the Sharks’ talent factory is in rude health.

The former Westville Boys’ High and SA Schools star lit up the encounter, already looking like he belongs on rugby’s top stage. The young fullback was assured under the high ball and in defence, glided through gaps in the defensive line, came within a step of scoring in the first half, and almost sent scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse away for a try in the second.

Siyaya frequently ignited Sharks attacks from deep inside their own half — the fearlessness of youth evident in his well-weighted dinks over the top — while he also showed impressive strength in contact. Yet, for all those skills, it was the youngster’s decision-making in the offload that stood out most, as he rarely misplaced or mistimed a pass all night.

If the same could be said of some of his teammates, the Sharks might have left Wales with more than just a losing bonus point — and their slim playoff hopes still alive. They now have 33 points and have dropped down one place, to 11th, with three matches to go.

Long spells of territorial dominance were repeatedly undone by unforced errors that let the Ospreys off the hook, or worse, gifted them scoring opportunities. Fate — or perhaps a slice of gamesmanship — then conspired against the visitors in the second half, with uncontested scrums disrupting their momentum just as their forward pack began to assert control, allowing the Ospreys to cling on grimly for victory.

The Sharks’ backline injury crisis also deepened for coach JP Pietersen. Winger Ethan Hooker hurt his shoulder while scoring one of their three tries, while centre Le Roux Malan was forced off with concussion.

There were positives off the bench, however, with Makazole Mapimpi and Siya Masuku making strong contributions ahead of Friday’s clash against Edinburgh in Scotland. And if Siyaya’s debut is anything to go by, the No. 15 jersey looks to be in very safe hands.