Sharks determined to repay loyal fans: Here's how

08/05/2024 17:58

The Sharks are determined to make their home ground, Kings Park, a fortress in the remaining Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) games this season.

Despite the upcoming Challenge Cup final in London, the Sharks remain focused on their URC commitments.

Sharks’ Goals: Challenge Cup Final and Home Game Victories

Warren Whiteley, the forwards coach of the Sharks, emphasised the importance of the upcoming match against Benetton, an Italian side, at Kings Park on Saturday.

The Sharks have set their sights on winning all of their remaining home games, as well as reaching the Challenge Cup final.

Whiteley explained, “After the break [in March] we as a coaching staff set up some goals. Those included reaching this stage of the EPCR, racing the final, and the other goal was winning all of our home games.”

Kings Park: A Collective Goal

The Sharks’ determination to make Kings Park a fortress was a collective goal set by the entire playing group, not just the coaches or management. The team recognises the challenges that lie ahead, with four significant games in a row, including the Challenge Cup final on 24 May.

Whiteley acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming schedule, stating, “It is challenging now, the next four weeks or so. Plum [John Plumtree] and Neil [Powell] have been chatting about that and planning.”

Repaying Loyal Fans

The Sharks are motivated to repay their loyal fans for their unwavering support throughout a challenging campaign. The team has received phenomenal support from their fans, both at home and away, as evidenced by the impressive turnout at the Stoop during the Challenge Cup semi-final.

“We have had such phenomenal support this year. You saw the people that came out to the Stoop. It was incredible,” Whiteley remarked.

Benetton Clash: A Crucial Encounter

As the Sharks prepare to face Benetton this weekend, they understand the significance of the match. The Sharks remain focused on securing a victory at Kings Park, despite the Italian side’s recent defeat to Gloucester in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Whiteley stressed the importance of the Benetton game, saying, “Most importantly, we go back to the goal that we set out, to reach the EPCR final and win our home games. That’s why this game against Benetton this weekend is really important.”

The Road Ahead

The Sharks face a demanding schedule in the coming weeks, with three home games in the URC and the Challenge Cup final in London.

While the team is unable to qualify for the URC playoffs, they remain committed to finishing the season on a high note and making Kings Park a formidable fortress.

The Sharks’ determination, coupled with the support of their dedicated fans, will undoubtedly fuel their performances in the remaining games.

As they navigate through the challenges ahead, the Sharks aim to showcase their resilience and skill, both at Kings Park and on the European stage