The Tshituka Brothers: From DRC to South African Rugby Stars
After overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka, the talented rugby-playing brothers, are now officially South African citizens. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the duo honed their rugby skills at Northcliff High School in Johannesburg. Vincent, aged 26, made the move to the Sharks in 2022, where he later captained the team. His younger brother Emmanuel, 24, followed suit in 2024, joining him at the Sharks after starting his career with the Lions.
Having received their SA citizenship and passports towards the end of last year, the Tshituka brothers were eagerly awaiting their South African Identity Documents to become eligible for national team selection.
Springbok Aspirations
For Vincent Tshituka, donning the Springbok jersey has always been a lifelong dream. In an interview back in 2022, he expressed his desire to represent the national team, stating, “To become a Springbok has been a dream of mine for a long time now and it will continue to be a dream of mine to put on that jersey.” Despite the delays in finalizing their documentation, Vincent remained focused on maintaining his form and readiness for the opportunity to represent South Africa on the rugby field.
Reflecting on the process of obtaining their SA documents, Vincent acknowledged the slow progress but remained optimistic and committed to his journey towards fulfilling his dream of playing for the Springboks. He emphasized the importance of respecting the process and staying prepared for the moment when the opportunity arises.
