SHARKS coach JP Pietersen will have to tap into his vast experience as a player for the Durban team and the Springboks if he is to turn around the fortunes of the callow team who have lost their opening three Currie Cup games.
Pietersen was in a Springbok team that lost five matches in a row in 2006 before turning things around to win the World Cup in 2007.
His current Sharks team suffered close losses to the Golden Lions (26-25) and Griquas (34-31) before Friday night’s 31-21 loss to the Pumas.
“The close losses have been tough. We have a group of mostly youngsters and it is not nice to see the disappointment on their faces because they are so proud to wear the Sharks jersey,” Pietersen said.
“We must keep encouraging them and make them believe they can win games. They have the ability, but the mindset to win needs some work. The coaching staff have to work on that and hopefully a victory is around the corner.”
Victory next weekend, though, will be a big ask as the Sharks are away to the log-leading Golden Lions.
The Lions maintained their unbeaten run when they beat Griquas 25-13 on Friday afternoon. Also on Friday, the Bulls underlined their pedigree when they beat the champion Cheetahs in Pretoria, also 25-13.
One of the stars for the Bulls was loose forward Mpilo Gumede, who has been kicking on the door of the Springboks for some time.
Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo said Gumede is in hot form after scoring his fourth try in three games.
“Seeing Mpilo put his hand up like this is what we coach for,” Nomlomo said.
“We want to see guys get to the highest level, and he’s got massive aspirations and ambitions. That’s what we want.
“The more he puts out performances like this, the better it is for us, the better for him, and the better it is for the country.”
Western Province host the Griffons in today’s final match of the weekend at 3pm.