The Sharks are set to welcome back two Springboks for next week’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash in France after JP Pietersen shed light on several sidelined players.
He spoke ahead of Saturday’s trip to Cape Town, for which the head coach named his strongest available starting XV to take on the Stormers in a coastal derby in round three of the URC.
The Durban-based club put out a team announcement release on Thursday with Bongi Mbonambi, Fez Mbatha, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, PK Sobahle, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Tshituka and Yaw Penxe listed as currently not available for selection.
PLUS: JP’s ‘fast, physical and relentless’ warning
No details were given for their unavailability but during a Sharks conference, Pietersen shared when he expects the return of Boks Mapimpi, Tshituka, Hendrikse and Williams.
Utility forward Tshituka is still being treated for concussion and could return in December, along with veteran winger Mapimpi (hamstring) if his rehabilitation goes well.
“Vincent Tshituka will not be available now. He’s obviously under the concussion protocols, so he won’t be available,” Pietersen said.
“Hopefully, if I’m thinking right, probably for Munster [on 31 October] or after the November break.
“Makazole is still in rehab. He’ll be back in December, if everything goes well.”
JP: It’s good timing for Siyaya, ‘G’
Backs Hendrikse and Williams have returned to team training and are being considered for the Lyon match at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland next Saturday.
“Jordan Hendrikse is in his first week back training with the team. He’s doing very well and looks on track,” Pietersen explained.
“Jaco Williams is another guy, the same as Jordan – he also came back this week.”
Mbonambi missed the majority of the 2025-26 season for the Sharks due to injury. In August, Bok boss Rassie Erasmus said he remains part of his plans and stays in contact with the two-time World Cup winner.
Asked about Mbonambi’s ongoing absence, Pietersen replied: “Bongi is obviously not up for selection. There’s no comment about Bongi.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post ‘Bongi is not up for selection’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Sharks are set to welcome back two Springboks for next week’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash in France after JP Pietersen shed light on several sidelined players.
The post ‘Bongi is not up for selection’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
