Information this morning, courtesy of a radio interview with East Coast, confirms the rumours that started to circulate yesterday. Marcell Coetzee faces nine months on the sidelines.
The talisman flanker suffered a serious knee injury against the Lions on Saturday and this morning told Sky Tshabalala the bad news. The same information was communicated to a Sharksworld reader by the management team at Durban Airport yesterday, so I’m afraid there’s now little doubt as to the veracity of the story.
This mean’s Marcell Coetzee has in all likelihood played his last game for the Sharks. If that thought doesn’t make your Monday blue, I’m not sure what would.
We wish Marcell all the strength and love in the world.

Last appearance for the next 3 years. I’m positive he’ll be back! Heal well and heal soon Marcell, we’ll miss you.
One guy that gave his all in every game he played. Wish him well, and a very successful stint overseas.
All the best Marcell.you are a sharks legend.all the best with the rehab.know you are a fighter!
All the best Marcell. You are a true legend of the game and will be sorely missed.
The Sharks and the Boks are going to miss this prolific player.
All the best to a true Durban boy. One hell of a player. Good luck and hope he recovers quickly.
Eish, rough break. Hope the healing is a complete success.
What a way to leave, hope he recovers quickly and heals 100%,
Oh this is a sad day! Marcell has become one of my favourite players in the Sharks team. I respect the fact that in every game he has played for the Sharks he has given of his absolute best. He is a player whose work rate is phenomenal to say the least. He does NOT deserve this!
I wish him all the best and pray that during this time he is surrounded by so much love.
Good luck and hope you’re recovery is quick!
Best of luck Marcell!
All the best Marcel!
Really not good news at all, and feel for the player especially. All the best with the recovery.
Huge loss to the Sharks, the boys are going to have to really step up the intensity without him there.
I wonder if anyone is going to complain about the pending medical costs to be incurred when he is leaving…
@SheldonK (Comment 13) : Was wondering, who picks up the tab or will it be shared?
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 14) : Sharks pick up the tab until end of contract period is up as far as i know.
@SheldonK (Comment 13) : I really hope not. This is completely different from the other lad who went to CT. Marcell has over 70 Sharks SR caps, and in every single appearance he has given everything, his workrate is staggering, and head and shoulders above anyone in SA rugby. There is no question about what this young man has given to Sharks and SA rugby (28 Bok caps). He has always treated the supporters respectfully and honestly. He has earned every penny the Sharks are to lay out for his recovery, there is simply no debate about that.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 16) : Well put
@Dancing Bear (Comment 16) : I would concur with that. my comment was more just me wondering…
@SheldonK (Comment 15) : Sounds right.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 16) :
The same would apply for a player who is injured in the 1st minute of the 1st game.
How much a guy has “given” cannot make any difference in the treatment he receives when injured.
Who is paying for Potgieter’s rehab?
He hasn’t even played 1 minute for the Sharks.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 16) : Agreed. Marcell has done much more for his team. Sharks should gladly pay the bill. The other guy was on the beach more than the field.
Marcell, you have always been and will always be a hero, a legend, “ein Eisen!” We will miss you like hell. We wish you everything of the best…
P.S. If you ever do come back to SA, please come back to the Sharks and not to the Bulls or Stormers…
😀
And this, in addition to my sulking boycott of that sham called Varsity Cup because of the Impi thing, has made my Monday more blue… 😥
@pastorshark (Comment 24) : With you there Pastor …very little for Sharks fans to smile about.
For my wife, this is a glass half full situation, as my taste for rugby has diminished considerably.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 25) :
I’m going to drink a glass of wine and watch survivor instead of Varsity Cup…
@FireTheLooser (Comment 25) : hahaha ja sure she will enjoy it a lot! Just remember there’s lots of 7’s you can watch just to ensure she does not get to use to you not watching sport!
@pastorshark (Comment 26) : I was weak, and fell….watched the final 15mins. 🙂
@JD (Comment 27) : That sevens loss to NZ…again, was the final nail in the coffin.
At least the VC final decided to go off script, so tired of knowing the winner before the game starts. 🙄
@FireTheLooser (Comment 28) : @FireTheLooser (Comment 29) : hahaha just watch the Blitzbokke it was very close and hard game they lost to NZ (9 min extra time).
@JD (Comment 30) : …the extra time loss made it even worse.
@FireTheLooser (Comment 31) : I take it you did not watch the game vs Oz? I nearly had a hart attack watching that game!!!
@FireTheLooser (Comment 28) : I am available for confession pretty much anytime! Free of charge! Pop by…forgiveness can be yours… 😆
@JD (Comment 32) : I did not….my shiny clean car is still thankfully for it.
@pastorshark (Comment 33) : I knew you’d understand. 🙂
@FireTheLooser (Comment 34) : hahaha ja better use of your time, at the end the Blitzbokke did their best to stuff it up!
@FireTheLooser (Comment 35) :