Coach explains why Kolisi is not leading Sharks: 'An opportunity to grow Thomas as a leader'

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has explained his captaincy decision for Saturday's United Rugby Championship derby against the Lions in Durban.

Prop Thomas du Toit retains the captaincy despite the return of national skipper Siya Kolisi to the starting XV.

With regular captain Lukhanyo Am away on a stint in Japan, Kolisi had taken over as Sharks leader but was benched for last weekend's win over the Dragons.

Du Toit stepped up to lead the Sharks in their 51-3 rout of the Welsh side and he's again been handed the captain's armband.

Everitt explained his leadership decision in a press conference on Thursday: "When we announced the captaincy when Lukhanyo left we said that Siya and Thomas would share a dual role with regards to the leadership.

"It was pretty much about who runs out. I think it is just an opportunity to grow Thomas as a leader and give an opportunity to Siya just to sit back a bit.

"We know that he (Kolisi) carries a lot of responsibility in that regard when he captains our country in various tournaments.

"I see this as an opportunity for Thomas to learn and grow with the guidance of Siya in that role."

Bok winger remains sidelined

Meanwhile, Everitt also revealed it could be "some time" before Sbu Nkosi returns to action.

The Springbok winger has not played for the Sharks since the 29-7 away win over Italian side Benetton on 26 February.

It has since come to light that the Bulls are interested in the 26-year-old speedster's services, although Everitt recently said nothing was set in stone. 

A couple of weeks ago, Everitt described Nkosi's absence a "gastric intestinal virus".

The player returned to training this week but received another setback.

"Unfortunately, Sbu returned to training on Monday and he sustained an injury