Sharks environment ripe for Aphiwe Dyantyi’s redemption - Joey Mongalo

The Springbok wing will return to professional rugby in August following a four-year doping ban, and will don the colours of the KwaZulu-Natal outfit thereafter. 

Mongalo coached Dyantyi at the Golden Lions from 2015 and, though he’s known the winger for several years, he did not influence his move to the Sharks. 

However, the defence specialist believes Dyantyi’s demonstrated character was tailor-made for the franchise.

"He was with us at the Lions in 2018, when we played in that Super Rugby final under coach Swys [de Bruin], with Phillip Lemmer and Neil de Bruin, so it's phenomenal to have him here," said Mongalo.

"I think, if you look at his story Kate, I mean, the guy came from like the second or third team at UJ [University of Johannesburg], got a lot of degrees, and now he's done well over these four years to look after himself – he still looks in good shape. 

"So, it says a lot about the character of the man, and I can't wait to see what Aphiwe Dyantyi 2.0 looks like. 

"I think the world is an oyster for him, and I can't think of a better environment that's more welcoming of a person and a better place for him to reboot his career."