The Sharks hosted their annual Sharks Player Awards evening at Sun Sibaya on Tuesday evening, 12 May, celebrating the outstanding individuals who rose above a challenging 2025/26 season and recognising the players who continue to shape the future of the club.
While results on the field did not always reflect the high standards expected of The Sharks, the evening served as an important reminder of the resilience, character and emerging talent within the organisation. Players, staff, sponsors, and invited guests gathered to honour those who consistently delivered performances of excellence and commitment throughout the campaign.
The awards highlighted the exciting young talent emerging through the system, alongside senior players who continued to lead through action and example as the team lays the foundation for future success.
Among the major award winners on the evening, André Esterhuizen was voted Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates for his leadership, consistency and influence throughout the season, while Emile van Heerden received the prestigious Hollywoodbets Sharks Player of the Year award for his consistency and standout performances across both the Vodacom URC and the Investec Champions Cup competitions.
Phepsi Buthelezi enjoyed a standout season and scooped three awards on the night for his efforts (URC Player of the Season, Top Try Scorer, and the Fans Player of the Year), while Aphelele Fassi was recognised as the Champions Cup Player of the Season following several influential performances on the European stage.
The Sharks’ commitment to young player development was further reinforced through the recognition of several rising stars, namely Phatu Ganyane being honored as the Breakthrough Player of the Year.
2025/2026 Sharks Player Award Winners:
- Hollywoodbets Sharks U19 Player of the Season – Hanu Pieterse
- Hollywoodbets Sharks U21 Player of the Season – Jaco Williams
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Currie Cup Player of the Season – Nick Hatton
- Hollywoodbets Sharks URC Player of the Season – Phepsi Buthelezi
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Champions Cup Player of the Season – Aphelele Fassi
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Top Try Scorer – Phepsi Buthelezi
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Breakthrough Player of the Year – Phatu Ganyane
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Fans Player of the Year – Phepsi Buthelezi
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Players’ Player of the Year – André Esterhuizen
- Hollywoodbets Sharks Player of the Year – Emile van Heerden
Speaking on the significance of the evening, Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach, JP Pietersen acknowledged that while the season presented its fair share of challenges, recognising excellence and celebrating the individuals who continued to uphold the values and standards of the jersey remains critically important.
“We remain firmly focused on building for the future, we have belief in the talent emerging through the ranks and confidence in the collective determination within the Sharks family to get back on track and come back stronger during the 2026/2027 rugby season.”.