Siya Kolisi will be leaving the Sharks. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Sharks owner Marco Masotti has defended his commitment to the Durban-based franchise after a turbulent season that ended in yet another major disappointment for one of South African rugby’s most expensively assembled squads.
New York-based Masotti responded on social media after a supporter questioned whether his investment in the Sharks had become one of the worst in professional sport, after the team’s failure to qualify for the United Rugby Championship play-offs and their underwhelming European campaign.
“In the world of sport investing, has there ever been a worse investment than @MarcoMasotti_ in @SharksRugby? No URC playoffs, lost to Sale, all-round terrible,” supporter Jaun-Pierre Pretorius posted on X.
Masotti, however, remained firmly supportive of the project.
“No. It is an absolute joy to invest in this amazing team. Tough tough season but three trophies over the last few and happy to see our team planning for the future. Plus it is a pleasure to contribute to the great city of Durban. There is never going to be a better investment,” he replied.
While the Sharks did lift silverware in recent seasons, expectations were far higher this year for a squad packed with Springboks and international talent. Instead, inconsistency, injuries and instability once again undermined their campaign.
The biggest turning point came with the coaching reshuffle that saw John Plumtree step aside before former Sharks winger JP Pietersen initially took over in an interim capacity. Pietersen later earned the role permanently as the franchise looked to reset its direction after another underwhelming season.
The Sharks were also crippled by injuries to several senior players throughout the campaign, especially in the backline, preventing the side from building momentum or consistency in selection. Jordan and Jaden Hedrikse,
Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker are just some of the Springbok backs forced to miss large chunks of the season, while the experience of veteran lock Eben Etzebeth was sorely missed due to suspension and later injury.
Yet, amid the frustration, there were encouraging signs for the future.
Young backs such as Zekhethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo, Jaco Williams, Bradley Davids and Litelihle Bester emerged as bright prospects, while teenage fullback Luan Giliomee impressed sufficiently to secure a move to the Bulls ahead of next season. Centre Jurenzo Julius has also shown glimpses of his enormous potential when given opportunities.
The franchise is also entering a period of significant transition, with Springboks Siya Kolisi, Marvin Orie and Grant Williams among the experienced players departing Kings Park. Williams’ exit, however, has already been addressed with the signing of former Saracens scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl, as the Sharks continue reshaping their squad in pursuit of long-awaited consistency.
For Masotti, despite another painful campaign, the belief remains that the Sharks’ long-term future is still worth backing.