Coach believes Sithole is due for Bok call-up

Sigma Lions scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys reckons a Springboks call-up may be on the cards for prop Sti Sithole should he continue showing immense improvement.

Sithole has in the past declared his interest in donning the Springbok jersey, and he seems closer to achieving that goal after stellar recent performances for his club side.

Redelinghuys said that for Sithole to get the attention of SA Rugby's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and Bok's head coach Jacques Nienaber, he'll have to be consistent in his performances. 

"Part of his progress is challenging him with his work rate off the ball and on the ball where he's improved a lot, not just in set-pieces," Redelinghuys said. 

"I think if he keeps his progress on an upward curve he'll be knocking on the door for a Bok call-up. I hope he'll get the honour of wearing the green and gold. That only comes with consistently good performances. I think he's on the right path," he said. 

Sithole has been one of the shining lights for the Lions team over the past couple of seasons, getting better in his scrumming and other aspects of his game. 

At 28, Sithole is set to hit his prime years as a prop.

The growth and progress Sithole has made is something his mentor Redelinghuys touched base on yesterday when addressing the media ahead of their United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers at Ellis Park on Saturday. 

"Sti has really done well with the growth he's had over a couple of years," said Redelinghuys. "He's taken up a senior role in the team, taking up a role where he's driving the standards. He holds himself to high standards, that's where the difference came in. 

"He does a lot of extras, he's got the right mindset, he wants to improve and he's doing that well," he said.