July’s Coach and Player of the Month MyZA

The Sharks coach, John Plumtree, and Jano Vermaak – who has officially signed with the Vodacom Blue Bulls – received the Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month awards today at Mr Price Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

A media panel, consisting of respected journalists and commentators, were unanimous in their choice of The Sharks coach for the month of July. The Absa Currie Cup Coach and Player of the Month competition, is designed to acknowledge and reward coaches for their outstanding leadership. Players who are consistent and significantly contribute to the overall performance of the team, are also awarded.

The Sharks, despite their defeat against GWK Griquas last Friday, have sounded a massive warning that they are not likely to give up their Absa Currie Cup crown easily as they demolished the Vodacom Blue Bulls side in Durban in the opening week, and then later the Toyota Free State Cheetahs also in Durban.

The Sharks have received strong praise for their style of play, with their slick handling and movement of the ball particularly catching the eye. Their enterprising half-back combination, as well as Plumtree’s attention to detail at scrum time, has also provided a strong platform for their early-season success.

Jano Vermaak received the majority of the votes for his stand-out performances during this first month of the Absa Currie Cup action. Vermaak has been consistent in both attack and defence, and provided the MTN Golden Lions plenty of go-forward ball with his efficiency at half back.

Overall sentiment for Vermaak has been his fantastic contribution as a scrumhalf. Vermaak has provided his half-back partner, Burton Francis, with great service while his decision-making skills and a quick eye for the try line has seen him win the Man-of-the-match award (against the Ford Pumas) as well as churn out sterling performances throughout the month of July.

Also nominated for their fantastic performances in July were Freddy Michalak (Sharks) and Keegan Daniel (both The Sharks) as well as Nick Koster (DHL Western Province).

The two winners – Vermaak and Plumtree – represent the two top teams in the Absa Currie Cup to date, with the MTN Golden Lions sitting firmly at the top of the log and The Sharks in second place.