JP Pietersen bid farewell to senior players after the Sharks’ final Vodacom URC match of the season, but his youngsters provided plenty of encouragement.
Springbok flank Siya Kolisi and scrumhalf Grant Williams were among those to play their last game for the Sharks in the 54-19 win over Zebre at Kings Park, with Pietersen emotional but upbeat after the final whistle.
“It’s always sad when people put value into the jersey, into the union, into the organisation, and make the place better,” said Pietersen. “So we’re sad to say goodbye, but you can always say thank you for what they’ve done for us over the years.”
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He reserved particular praise for Kolisi, who scored two tries and received a standing ovation from the Kings Park crowd after being substituted.
“I love the kid, man,” said Pietersen. “I just want to say thanks to him for supporting me in my first year [as head coach]. It was never easy.
“And I know the personal decision he made to go home for his family, which a man always respects from man to man.”
Siya Kolisi says goodbye to Hollywoodbets Kings Park 🥹
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Williams heads to Japan after nine years at the Sharks, while centre Le Roux Malan moves to Cardiff and flyhalf Jean Smith to Benetton to pursue his international ambitions with Italy.
But much of the afternoon belonged to debutant Vusi Moyo, who contributed 15 points – via a try and five conversions – in an assured display at flyhalf.
“He was a bit nervous in the beginning, which is normal – he’s only 19 years old,” said Pietersen. “But to put his hand up the way he did, it’s just beautiful to see.”
Pietersen pointed to the broader group of young players as cause for optimism, with Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jaco Williams and Litelihle Bester among those to impress.
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“The balance of this group is beautiful,” he said. “We’ve got the pieces now. It’s just how we can put it together.”
The Sharks finished 10th on the log, and Pietersen acknowledged the season fell short of expectations. But he considered it a learning curve.
“We’re building in the right direction,” he said. “With a proper pre-season, I’m pretty confident we’ll be in a better place than we finished this year.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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