EXCLUSIVE: Sharks Tshituka pursuit bigger than just Vincent

Lions flanker Vincent Tshituka has been the subject of intense interest from unions from both abroad and local shores.

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Since breaking through the Lions main side from their SuperSport Rugby Challenge side, Tshituka has proven to be a revelation for the Johannesburg-based side. 

Tshituka brothers big for the Lions

Even through the rough patch the Lions have been under in both the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup, Tshituka has proven to be a rare shining light. Vincent, however, has not been the only Tshituka who has proven to be a silver lining in a tough period for the Lions. The emergence of his younger brother Emmanuel almost mirrors that of the mobile blindside flanker. 

Emmanuel big impact player

While Vincent is a loose forward, Emmanuel broke through the junior ranks of the Lions as a lock, and has graduated to the senior side to complement his brother’s game perfectly. Also adapt to playing as a loose forward, Emmanuel has often been used as an impact player by the Lions regime in the URC and has often given the likes of Ivan van Rooyen and his coaching staff a thing to think about. 

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Van Rooyen and his coaching staff are not the only ones that have been something to think about by the emergence of Emmanuel. It is believed that, while Vincent has largely been the one at the forefront of the rumour mills, Emmanuel is also believed to have attracted some high profile interest. Speaking to The South African News, a source close to the brothers has revealed that the two brothers could be taking their budding partnership to the East Coast of the country. 

Sharks interest in both brothers

“The Sharks are very interested in Vincent, I know that for a fact, but what many people don’t know is that, the they’re also interested in Emmanuel and want to take both Tshituka brother’s in a package deal” said the source.

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With Vincent also attracting interest in England, the source broke down the player’s current options and situation

Options ahead of Vincent

“Yes, there is a lot of interest in Vincent from a particular club in England, with the Sharks willing to rival their pursuit. His future though could hinge on him sorting out his documents for a South African passport. As you know, he was born in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). The Lions have been in the process of sorting out those papers for both him and Emmanuel, and with that you cannot rule out both Tshituka brothers deciding to stay at the Lions and renewing their contracts as a sign of gratitude to the union” concluded the source. 

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It looks as if the Tshituka brothers have an interesting next couple of months ahead of them, where they are now both expected to make a call on their futures. Will they go greener pastures or will they go for loyalty and remain put in Johannesburg? Watch the space!