Tshituka relishing every moment with SA ‘A’ team

Emmanuel Tshituka, who will mark the special occasion of playing his first game in a green and gold jersey for the SA ‘A’ team this weekend alongside his brother, Springbok Vincent Tshituka, is embracing every moment of his time with the senior national squad and admitted that being part of the group was an experience he never thought would be possible.

The Congolese-born brothers received their South African IDs last year, which cleared them for national selection and almost a year after Vincent made his Springbok debut against Italy, Emmanuel has followed suit, earning his first call-up for the expanded Springbok squad.

The Tshituka brothers will take the field together against Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, with Vincent named as SA ‘A’ captain, while Emmanuel will start on the side of the scrum.

The 26-year-old, nicknamed ‘Manu’, was delighted to be part of the team, which will be led by Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege for myself and my brother,” said Tshituka.

“About 18 months ago, we didn’t expect or even think it would be possible to be in this environment, so we are very grateful and excited to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world. Our family, wives, and friends are really happy for us. It’s a massive privilege.”

Much like all the new players in the group, Tshituka has used the last two weeks with the squad to learn as much as possible from both his brother and his teammates.

“Vincent has tried to give me as much advice as he can about the games, training sessions and the standards to uphold and he’s really tried to prepare me for what to expect from his experience last year,” said Emmanuel.

“But it hasn’t only been from him, I’ve asked a couple of players and loose forwards, who have been in this environment for a long time, questions to learn as much as possible and it’s definitely helped me and made me feel more settled.”

Adding to this special milestone in his career, Tshituka had something else to celebrate this week as he shared his birthday with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi – a memory that he will always cherish.

“It was actually surprising how the guys really tried to make it special for me,” he said.

“I received a little cake in my room and several birthday wishes and messages from my teammates and the coaches, which was heartwarming.”

While all the players in the group undoubtedly harbour ambitions to play for the Springboks, Tshituka said his only goal this week would be to do his best on the field on Saturday.

“To be a Springbok is more of a privilege than anything else, so for me personally, I just want to work hard and give my best every day and whatever the outcome is, so be it. My only objective is to stay in the moment and use the opportunity that I’ve been given this weekend.”

The SA ‘A’ team will line up against Zimbabwe at 12pm, with the Springboks taking on the Barbarians at 3pm and both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Edwill van der Merwe; 10 Quan Horn, 9 Grant Williams; 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Riley Norton; 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Vusi Moyo.

Barbarian FC starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Duhan van der Merwe; 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 TJ Perenara (capt); 8 Miracle Fai’ilagi, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Guido Petti; 5 Alex Moon, 4 Franco Molina; 3 D’Arcy Rae, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Mayko Vivas. Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Pedro Delgado, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Liam McConnell, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

SA ‘A’ starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Zekhethelo Siyaya; 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Haashim Pead; 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka; 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Vincent Tshituka (capt); 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Siba Mahashe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

SA ‘A’ v Zimbabwe @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha (12pm)

Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron

Assistant Referees: Sean Muller, Dylen November

Television Match Official: Marius Jonker

South Africa v Barbarians @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha (3pm)

Referee: Morne Ferreira

Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Hanru van Rooyen

Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen