Sharks' Mtembu back in training
After a frustrating year spent on the sidelines, Cell C Sharks eighthman Tera Mtembu is back on the training pitch and determined to make next year's Super Rugby squad.
Mtembu has spent more than half the year on the sidelines with a recurrent knee injury. After a disappointing Super Rugby campaign, the loose forward would have been a welcome addition to the Currie Cup side - which he captained last year.
Unfortunately Mtembu had to sit out the domestic competition while he continued his rehabilitation program. The summer heat might not be the best welcoming gift, but the 24-year-old admitted he was just happy to be training with the side once again.
"It’s been good, but tough because I’ve been out the whole year but it’s great to be back. Being out the whole year has made me appreciate it a lot more so I’m looking forward to working hard and hopefully I’ll make the squad," Mtembu said.
Knee injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, but Mtembu was confident he had done enough and was feeling comfortable after a week and have of preseason training.
"The knee is feeling good. I trained the whole of last week and I was a bit stiff at the end. But I managed to train again this week so everything is on track."
A lot of downtime allowed the former Dale College pupil to take stock of the Sharks' Currie Cup campaign - which fell way short of expectations. Despite not making the knockout stages of the tournament, Mtembu believes the blooding of youngsters was a real positive from the Sharks' campaign.
"It is (a building block). With our standards it was very disappointing because we are a well-known brand and to not make the semi-final was very disappointing. But we learned a lot and the guys are geared up and looking to improve which is the most important thing," Mtembu said.
A couple of new coaches has also added some spice to the mix. Skills coach Rob du Preez will bring an element of discipline - as the former Springbok scrumhalf is well-respected for his no-nonsense approach.
Meanwhile new defence coach Omar Mouneimne, described by Director of Rugby Gary Gold as an 'energizer bunny', has been putting the players through their paces.
"It’s great having Rob and Omar in the team. They come with fresh ideas and a new dynamics and they’re looking to build on our game for next year which is awesome. It’s important, the guys are buying into it and we’re just looking to improve as a squad," Mtembu concluded.
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