JP Pietersen has urged Zekhethelo Siyaya to be ready for a Springbok call-up after the young Sharks back missed out on national selection.
The 19-year-old has impressed the Sharks coach, who believes his age is an important factor as he continues to develop. But Pietersen insists patience must go hand in hand with challenging the youngster to keep improving.
“Zeks has been good for us,” Pietersen told the media on Thursday. “He’s still a kid and sometimes we have to remind ourselves as coaches that he’s just come out of school.
“He’s been outstanding and is learning as he goes. It’s good to see that when he’s thrown in at the deep end, he’s capable of swimming and fighting for his place.”
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Pietersen believes Siyaya can use his omission from the 37-man Springbok squad for the European leg of the Nations Championship as motivation when they face Munster in Limerick on Saturday.
“He must stay loaded because you never know when injuries on international duty might happen and an opportunity could come his way,” Pietersen said.
“Obviously, he’s disappointed, but I think he should use it as a challenge to show that he can do even more.”
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The Sharks face a tough assignment as they look to finish their three-week tour on a high. Pietersen expects a fired-up Munster after their 24-18 defeat to Leinster last week.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge against Munster at home. They’ll feel they could have beaten Leinster, so they’ll be disappointed. We want to finish the tour strongly. It’s been three long weeks, with France [Lyon], Cardiff and now Munster.”
Photo: Gareth Everett/Gallo Images
The post ‘Zeks must stay loaded’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
JP Pietersen has urged Zekhethelo Siyaya to be ready for a Springbok call-up after the young Sharks back missed out on national selection.
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