SIBUSISO Sithole has received considerable praise for his performances this year, but being compared to All Black great Jonah Lomu will be right up there with the most lavish.

"He was almost like a little Lomu out there," said Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson in awe of Sithole's efforts in the 30-30 draw with the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.

Some may laugh off the suggestion. But the outside centre drove through four defenders to score in the corner six minutes before half time, right when the Sharks were trailing the Cheetahs by two superb Sarel Pretorius tries.

What would have been a 17-6 half-time deficit in favour of the home side became 17-13 and gave the Sharks an ounce of belief that they could grab the tie from the Cheetahs' claws.

Sithole almost snatched it late, too, with a dart down the touchline but was taken out just short of the try line.

Inside centre Andre Esterhuizen was also given the nod of approval by the boss after an impressive try-scoring senior debut in Frans Steyn's jumper.

Macleod-Henderson, who has watched Sithole switch seamlessly between wing and outside centre in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup this year, showered praise on the speedy Queen's College old boy.

"He's played really well this year and he's got a great work ethic," Macleod-Henderson said. "His talent allows us to play him at No13 and on the wing and we are very fortunate to have him.

"I'm looking forward to watching him develop towards the latter rounds of the Currie Cup as well.

"Obviously there is still Jake White's influence in his development from this year's Super Rugby but there are a few things we are looking at doing slightly differently.

"We've tried to keep as much continuity as we could and tweak a few things here and there."

The Sharks are still trying to repair the damage of their two defeats to the Pumas and Griquas in the previous rounds but, instead of bringing relief, the thrill-a-minute draw added to their frustrations.