Over the last few weeks the Sharks have enjoyed a remarkable reversal in fortunes, largely sparked by the outstanding performances of flyhalf Siya Masuku. In no uncertain terms, he has been the missing cog in the coastal team’s machine.
Masuku was born in the small town of Paulpietersburg in KwaZulu-Natal, but he went to Piet Retief High School in Mpumalanga where his rugby talents first took shape.
However, his path to senior rugby was not a simple one. Masuku would spend time time at the Pumas, Leopards, Lions and Southern Kings without ever really seeming to find a perfect fit for his talents.
Masuku did memorably lead the Rustenburg Impala club to the Gold Cup in 2019, but there was always a feeling that he was destined for bigger and better things.
His big break really came after he was snapped up by the Cheetahs, with more regular appearances and a clear appetite for the big occasions then ultimately leading to a career-changing move to the Sharks.
It’s here that Masuku has come into his own, picking up four Man of the Match awards in the Sharks’ last five games, while playing a key role in their progression to the Challenge Cup final.
Siya Masuku could suddenly break into the Springbok team
There is no doubt that Masuku is not yet the finished product, but he is a late bloomer who has certainly proved what he can do when he is backed by his management team.
At a time when the Springbok coaches will need to be considering some different options for the one-off Tests against Wales and Portugal in June and July, there is every reason to believe that the Siya Masuku could become a strong contender.
Masuku scored 22 points as the Sharks beat Clermont in the Challenge Cup semi-final at Twickenham Stoop this past weekend, and his accuracy off the kicking tee would certainly appeal to the national coaches.
‘More to come’
The 27-year-old had to wait until February to make his Sharks debut, but coach John Plumtree has reiterated how there is even more to come from the ‘humble’ flyhalf.
Siya’s a lovely story, isn’t he? He’s played well on the big stage now,” Plumtree said after the Sharks’ recent win overseas. “I’m just really happy for him. He’s a very humble character. He feels very honoured to be playing in this jersey and he’s making the most of his opportunities.
“He’s still going to get better. His skill set can improve, his passing can improve, he can improve as an athlete. He hasn’t reached anywhere near his ceiling yet. He’s a confident little player.
“His kicking is great, when he goes for touch, he doesn’t just try for 30 metres, he looks for 40 metres. I love his attitude around the game and the players like him. He is riding the crest of the wave at the moment.”