The Sharks rugby team has been in a state of flux for several years, but assistant coach Joey Mongalo believes that the team has finally got the structure right to build for success. Since a consortium headed by Marco Masotti bought a controlling interest in the Sharks in 2021, there have been several changes at the top of the organisation. Mongalo, who joined the Sharks in 2023, sees the changes as a positive step towards sustained success.
The Sharks began their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign with a highly encouraging defeat of the Ospreys. Mongalo, a former Junior Springbok and Bulls player, attributes the team's improved performance to the creation of a stable system where everyone understands their role. He notes that traditionally, the Sharks have gone through a lot of change, with 30 assistant coaches and five or six head coaches in the last five to 10 years.
Mongalo believes that the biggest change has been the appointment of key leadership positions with former players. The team's top layer includes former Sharks lock Rory Duncan as the chief of staff, and Dave Williams, the ex-attack coach, as the general manager. This allows for better communication between the rugby team and the decision-makers.
The team's head coach, JP Pietersen, a former Springbok and Currie Cup winner, has given his assistant coaches the freedom to do their job. Mongalo, along with Scott Mathie and Warren Whiteley, are responsible for defence, attack, and set-piece, respectively. This stability and clear lines of communication are seen as key factors in the team's future success.
Mongalo also notes that the playing squad is more stable than in previous years, with an increasing number of Sharks products and former Sharks players providing continuity. Players like Phepsi Buthelezi, Thomas du Toit, and Stephan Lewies have been with the team for a while, and young players like Lithelile Bester, Jaco Williams, and Vusi Moyo have come through the system.
Mongalo is optimistic about the team's future, but notes that it will take time to see the full benefits of the new system. He believes that the team will be better this year than last, but the real peak of success will be in three to five years. The team's recent victory over the Ospreys and upcoming match against Leinster will be a test of their defensive systems.
The Sharks' new structure and appointments have brought a sense of stability and optimism to the team. With a clear system in place, a stable playing squad, and experienced coaches, the team is poised for future success. The team's young players, like those who shone in the recent URC match, will be key to the team's long-term success and succession plan.
Key points
- The Sharks have appointed former players to key leadership positions, including Rory Duncan as chief of staff and Dave Williams as general manager.
- The team's playing squad is more stable than in previous years, with an increasing number of Sharks products and former Sharks players.
- Mongalo believes that the team will be better this year than last, but the real peak of success will be in three to five years.
