Sharks’ Radebe enjoying Currie Cup

The 21-year-old has made his way through the Sharks junior ranks after he was scouted as a standout performer for the Lions at the U18 Craven Week a few winters ago. The former St Stithians College pupil has excelled for the Sharks junior teams, as well as the UKZN Impi in the Varsity Shield tournament.

Proving his worth over the past three years, Radebe has been a patient customer this season. The youngster has trained regularly with the senior side but wasn’t considered for Super Rugby duty. That may have been a blessing in disguise, as he had time to continue his development in the Currie Cup qualifiers.

Four rounds into the Currie Cup proper, and Radebe has more than staked his claim to the flyhalf berth. One has to tip their hat to Director of Rugby Gary Gold and current coach Robert du Preez, who held back on throwing Radebe into the deep end this year.

The domestic tournament really has become a proving ground for the country’s upcoming talent and Radebe is one of those players.

While he may have been disappointed to not have got a look-in when Pat Lambie was ruled out injured in the Super Rugby build-up, Radebe admitted this week that things have worked out well.

“I’m glad that I had the chance to go through the junior ranks before breaking into the senior setup, it definitely helped me mature a lot quicker. I am enjoying it and it helps to have a couple of older guys in the side to guide and help me when I make mistakes,” Radebe said.

“When the year started I was very excited and hoping to get a chance in Super Rugby. I had a few injuries which held me back a bit. It wasn’t the season I was hoping for but getting my break in the Currie Cup is something that I am really enjoying. Hopefully I can use it to build myself for next year’s Super Rugby competition.”

Radebe is also lucky enough to be working in the shadow of Springbok flyhalf Pat Lambie. Although it has been another season marred by injuries, Lambie has a wealth of knowledge and experience and Radebe says the 25-year-old has helped a lot with his development as a player.

“I’ve looked up to Pat since I was 15 or 16-years-old. To be rubbing shoulders with him has greatly benefitted my career. Pat has played a big part in mentoring me. When I make mistakes or there is something I’m unsure about, I go straight to him – he’s played a big part in helping me ease into senior rugby,” Radebe said.

While he may ooze confidence on the field, there is plenty of pressure on the young flyhalf to direct play and marshal the Sharks on the pitch. Radebe says his job has been made easier with 19-year-old Curwin Bosch assuming the kicking duties while Daniel and the other senior players take charge of the leadership responsibilities.

“Not having the kicking responsibilities has definitely taken a bit of weight off my shoulders. Then having a guy like Andre Esterhuizen next to me and the likes of Odwa (Ndungane) and Keegan (Daniel) makes it so much easier for me to go out and do what I do best.”

Radebe has also helped the Sharks play a more ball-in-hand brand of rugby, which is what Du Preez is looking to build on this season. The young flyhalf says the coach is backing the players to go out and play to their strengths.

“A year or two ago we weren’t playing the brand of rugby that we are now. The group is excited about where we’re heading and Coach Rob has given us the freedom to go out and express ourselves. He’s given us some license, but obviously there are times that you need to kick and be a bit more conservative.”

The Sharks sit on top of the Currie Cup log going into round five action. They face Western Province in Cape Town this coming weekend.

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