The Sharks have endured a tough season both on and off the field‚ but on Wednesday there was a ray of light with the announcement that cellphone giant Cell C have renewed their sponsorship for a further three years. The Sharks Super Rugby side is fighting for the third and final play-off berth with the Lions already assured of one place and the Stormers on the brink of the other. It will come down to the Sharks and the Bulls for the third spot. On top of some mediocre results and massive player losses in the off-season‚ chief executive John Smit announced that he would be stepping down later this year.He cited personal reasons but the tough economic climate that has seen several retrenchments at the union over the past three years has not made life easy for the inexperienced CEO. "We are delighted to renew our association with Cell C for a further three years‚" Smit said in a statement. "Our initial partnership has seen both our brands develop through a period of change and reinvention. Together‚ with a shared vision and a pioneering spirit‚ our partnership will continue to grow and deliver rewards for both parties. "I would like to thank the CEO of Cell C‚ Jose Dos Santos‚ and his dynamic team for their unwavering support and investment in our brand. "The benefits of this partnership will not only be exclusive to the team‚ but will be extended to our loyal stakeholders.” There was no indication of what the sponsorship is worth. Meanwhile‚ prior to this weekend’s crucial match against the Cheetahs‚ it looks increasingly likely that flyhalf Pat Lambie would miss the match. It’s been a month since Lambie suffered a concussion after a huge collision with Ireland flank CJ Stander in the first Test on June 11 and his continued absence is a source of concern. Veteran wing Odwa Ndungane warned that the Cheetahs would be a threat as they have nothing to play for. “With them [Cheetahs] being out of the play-offs‚ it makes them that more dangerous‚" Ndungane said. "It is going to be a tough game. We have to make sure that we don't give them too many opportunities - they are a team that can punish you if you don't hold onto the ball." - TMG Digital..