Phepsi on playing for fans after KZN disaster: 'It's extra motivation to make people happy'

As KwaZulu-Natal deals with the very real impact of recent floods and the mounting death toll, the Sharks have taken it upon themselves to shine a light in a place filled with plenty of darkness this weekend.

No 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, one of the young leaders in the team, said they would use this weekend's United Rugby Championship (URC) game against Leinster at Kings Park, Durban, to brighten the mood around the place after floods ravaged the province.

READ | Sharks not taking weakened Leinster lightly, says Phepsi Buthelezi

"As a province, we've been through a lot over the past couple of days," said Buthelezi, who hails from Hluhluwe.

"That's something we've spoken about as a squad. We've been given this wonderful opportunity that we're going to have this Saturday to make everyone happy.

"All our fans are going to be here, people are going to come out in their numbers and bring their families.

"It's going to be an awesome day to be a Shark. Given what's happened, it's extra motivation for us to make our people happy.

"After the events of this past week or so, people want to come to the stadium and see something positive.

"They want to see us working hard, scoring some amazing tries and that's what the team is aiming to do."

Buthelezi, whose real name is Phendulani, captained the Currie Cup side last year and has already shown the potential of holding the armband in the senior URC setup.

The loose forward has also grown in his role as a starting No 8, making the most of his game minutes while Springbok Sikhumbuzo Notshe was returning from injury.

The 22-year-old has formed a formidable back-row partnership with Henco Venter and Bok captain Siya Kolisi, which should relish playing against Leinster sans British & Irish Lion Jack Conan.