JP Pietersen was delighted with 19-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya after his heroics in Limerick on Saturday night helped complete an unbeaten tour for the Sharks.
The teenager won a successive URC Man of the Match award in the Sharks’ 15-3 triumph over Munster at Thomond Park. His break upfield and kick led to Gianni Lombard’s opening try in the 15th minute. Ivan van Zyl added a second after the break.
“Man of the Match performance, but it also comes down to our pack that gives him the platform to do his thing,” Pietersen said of Siyaya. “Special kid, unbelievable talent. He’s still 19, he’s learning as he’s growing.
“Sometimes he will do some crazy things, which we like about him. Good, humble kid, hungry to get better.”
Back-to-back brilliance
2 weeks in a row at BKT POTM for Zekhethelo Siyaya
#BKTURC #URC | #MUNvSHA https://t.co/vhYMOEMmiA
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 31, 2026
RECAP: Sharks grind Munster into submission
The result lifted the Sharks to fourth on the log going into the November break. It followed an EPCR Challenge Cup win in Lyon and a victory over Cardiff, and gave the Sharks back-to-back URC wins overseas.
“A special win for us tonight. First time winning here as the Sharks organisation in the URC,” Pietersen said. “With our defensive effort, we didn’t give them one try. It shows what the boys have been building.
“We fight for each other. It’s a good mix of just guys getting along, old, young, in between … One of our goals is to connect not just with mates, but also make a new connection in the team.”
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The head coach credited the leadership group of Nick Hatton, Emile van Heerden, Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker, while also giving a special mention to veteran prop Vincent Koch.
“Massive credit to Vincent; he didn’t play one minute on tour but was always a positive guy in the meetings, leads well at training, speaks well. Holds guys accountable as he’s the club captain, which I love about him.”
Pietersen, too, wished Springboks Ox Nché, Thomas du Toit, Manu Tshituka, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe well for the Nations Championship.
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“I know it’s going to be a tough four weeks, but they’re busy with something really incredible as a group. I know they’re going to be successful,” he added.
The former Bok also reflected on his tour: “I’m extremely happy. I learned so much from the players … It was a great experience, not only on the field, but also off the field too.”
Photo: @SharksRugby/X
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JP Pietersen was delighted with 19-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya after his heroics in Limerick on Saturday night helped complete an unbeaten tour for the Sharks.
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