Captain Mtembu is a natural-born leader

From the moment he donned the famous red and black Dale College first team jersey, newly installed Sharks Currie Cup captain Lubabalo Mtembu exuded authority and leadership.

So says his 2007 skipper Bathabile Mtimka, who said Mtembu was the perfect fit in a young team and made his presence felt without ever announcing himself.

The Sharks captaincy seems to be a haven for Dale College players, with Mtembu, the Sharks' 72nd captain, taking over from Keegan Daniel, who played in the Eastern Cape school's first team four years before Mtembu.

Mtimka said the decision to install Mtembu as captain was not surprising as the shy and unassuming 23-year-old was eager to meet challenges. Mtimka cites his positional change from inside centre to loose forward in 2006 as an example.

"It is surprising that it has happened so soon," Mtimka said. "It isn't something I thought would happen so quickly in his career, but he has the character of a leader and he is a good link between players and management.

"He isn't a person who takes too much authority on himself nor lets it go to his head. He is a very firm person though, and it is through that trait that he earns a lot of respect.

"As a young person, he is the best one to groom as a captain. He'll make mistakes, but that's all part of the learning curve."

Mtembu captained the Dale College first team in 2008 and 2009 under mentor Grant Griffiths, who is still the first team coach at the King William's Town rugby factory.

Griffiths said Mtembu never sought out leadership but when he was asked to take on the mantle, the loose forward never ran away from it.

"He has all the attributes, and has shown strong leadership skills," Griffiths said. "What was most impressive about him was his work ethic on and off the field, which was exemplary.

"I knew he could take it one or two steps up. He was never one to beat his chest and was always calm in the circle.

"When we had the vote for first team captain, the only person who didn't vote for him to become captain was himself. It was an easy choice for me as coach."

Mtembu, better known as Tera, said the captaincy appointment caught him by surprise, especially with senior players dotting the Sharks landscape.

"It is something I would often dream about as a youngster, but I am a bit surprised the opportunity to lead the Sharks has come so soon. I do have a lot to learn, but it is an exciting time for me," Mtembu said.