Notshe eager to get back to action
Cell C Sharks loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe is making his
way back to full fitness following a devastating knee injury and is eager to
get back on the park for the Durban side.
Notshe was ruled out during a Rainbow Cup match against the Bulls back in May and missed both selection for the Springbok squad to play the British and Irish Lions as well as the Sharks team that played the tourists in two matches.
It has been a tough road back for the 27-year-old but he has been philosophical about his rehabilitation and his return to action.
“Rehab is meant to be tough on you mentally and on the body, but I have really enjoyed the journey,” Notshe said. “I have learnt a lot about my body, and I am looking forward to returning to the field now.
“It’s more of a mental preparation now; the body has healed and now it’s about getting over that first hurdle which will be that first contact session.
“Ticking off those first mental hurdles means that everything else falls into place.”
The Cell C Sharks have come through 2021 with a number of strong loose forwards and Notshe will be hard-pressed to earn his spot back.
He understands that things won’t come easy and he’s ready to fight for that starting berth at the Sharks.
“Professional sports people are competitive animals and although we are good friends and brothers that competitive element comes out and I am going to go head on into the fight for that number eight jersey.
“There were guys who were doing the same thing when I was number one so the attitude and approach doesn’t change,” Notshe added.
The new Currie Cup season starts in the middle of January and the Sharks will also be involved in the United Rugby Championship. Notshe is encouraged by the number of players that are putting their hands up.
“I think that we are in a good space at the moment and we are creating some good squad depth which is something we didn’t have at the start of 2020.
“There are a lot of youngsters that have played good rugby against the British and Irish Lions as well as in the Currie Cup so it has been a good year for the Sharks in terms of growth.
“Even though we didn’t win silverware there are a lot of positives and there has been good growth and we are a happy bunch.”
The Sharks return to United Rugby Championship action on 8 January when they play Benetton while the Currie Cup side begin their competition against Griquas on 19 January.
