Former Sharks fullback, SP Marais took some time to chat to Sharksworld about what it meant for him to play in the “Black and White” jersey, about the things he will miss the most and about the fans.
He started off by saying it was always a dream, even from childhood to play for the Sharks and in 2013 it became a reality when he decided to move to Durban to play at the Sharks.
“I believed they would be the union that would better me as a player and a person. I’ve always heard from players how incredible it is to play for the Sharks,” he said.
He described what an honour and privilage it has been to represent the Sharks and how the fans always expected the very best from the players even during tough times.
“I’m sad to leave the Sharks, but as in life all good things come to an end, my chapter is finished but yet I’m excited to start the next chapter in my career.”
“The Sharks’ culture is still alive and kicking. I’ve never experienced the amount of care shown by the people, it’s literally a family. If a player had to go for an operation the squad was always the first to send “get well” messages, even with personal issues the guys were always around, day or night, to help,” he said.
“There is a mutual respect amongst the Sharks players and no one is better than the next, it’s something the union strives for daily and it’s not something you see everyday and for me that is what has made the Sharks one of the top unions, not only in South Africa but also globally.
“I’m going to miss the players and I’ve made life long friends”, explains SP, “but the thing I am going to miss the most, is walking into that changing room and that feeling you get when you see your jersey, which has been worn by so many legends before you, it’s something you can not put into words.
“Lastly, I just want to thank the fans that have supported me, thank you. I treasured and enjoyed every moment.” He recalls the match they won against the Chiefs with thirteen men and the Currie Cup success they had in 2013, adding, “it’s because of the fans we experienced success.”
He also extended his gratitude to the Sharks Rugby Union for the opportunity to have represented them.
“I wish the Sharks all the best in their preparation for 2016”
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Class act !!!!!!!!
We won against the Chiefs with 13 men…!? Was this before or after we did that against the Crusaders? 😆
Top man! Thanks Sarel! Wishing you all the best with your future.
@Culling Song (Comment 2) : a 14-man sharks team once put 50 on the scoreboard against samoa
“but the thing I am going to miss the most, is walking into that changing room and that feeling you get when you see your jersey, which has been worn by so many legends before you, it’s something you can not put into words.
And you earned a Currie Cup winners medal wearing that sharks jersey.well done!
All the best for the future,SP!
@Culling Song (Comment 2) : that was earlier this year…. remember the card-fest in that game, where Bismarck and Frans Steyn were both sent off?
Good guy
I believe he is a pretty decent guy. Still think he could have offered the Sharks more at wing than fb.
Sorry to see you go before you could show us real SP that made the Sharks sign you!!!!!!! Best of wishes and luck for the future!!!!!!! Who knows maybe in the future?!?!?!
@SheldonK (Comment 8) : ja think just did not gel after the 2013 season, don’t know why but it just did not happen for him. Think he’s a great guy and will find form again!!!!!!
Good luck, SP.
@JD (Comment 10) : He had a drop in form (it happens) then got injured which didnt aide his cause.
@SheldonK (Comment 12) : I know but sad to see him leaf before he could blossom!!!!! 😆
@JD (Comment 13) : i think the Pieterson and Leroux signings pretty much forced him out. Will be interesting to see what Van Tonder does as he was behind SP in the queue so now could be even further back. Same with young guys like Alcino Isaacs etc
@SheldonK (Comment 14) : can’t see van Tonder get much of a chance so for him it will be better to go to another team.
@JD (Comment 15) : i would tend to agree. Im sure someone once mentioned he came to the Sharks with a history of playing at 10? Ive only seen him play at 15 but just wondering.He has good feet and good hands and can kick
Good player who just couldn’t be accommodated within the Sharks’ current style (or lack thereof) of playing. I’m pretty sure he’ll impress again at the Kings.
@SheldonK (Comment 16) : sad to say but don’t think I’ve seen him enough to make a really educated judgment but what I’ve seen of him I can’t see him play above either Willie or Joe.
@SheldonK (Comment 16) : @JD (Comment 18) : I’ve only see van Tonder a handful of times but he’s always impressed me and always wanted to see more. I’ll be sad to see him go as I feel we would have lost him before we ever gave him a chance.
@JD (Comment 18) : Pieterson and Leroux more experienced hence will be ahead of Van tonder- he is a good player though.
@SheldonK (Comment 20) : I understand he will be 3rd in the pecking order but I’m sure there is a way for the Sharks to keep him around. Even give him some time off the bench. I’d like to try him before we let him get away.
Good luck SP. I always enjoyed your style of play and adventurous spirit. May you join all the other Sharks discards and achieve success with another union that believes in you.
@Hulk (Comment 21) : i agree.
So the headless chicken goes home to roost and perhaps if anything he learnt that being a true pro player means spending the extra hours over contracted hours, fixing youself when you off your game which he did not do even for an extra second
Nice interview…
Sounds like a good bloke…good luck, SP!