SHARIFA KASOLO KEEPING COMPOSED AS HISTORY AWAITS
Sharifa Kasolo says her Sharks side is ready to embrace the club’s first ever semi-final on Saturday – and the skipper says her experience of playing in high pressure knockout games could prove vital for a young Sale side.
Sale Sharks Women face Trailfinders Women on Saturday for a place in the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup final and former Saracen Sharifa has been using her experience to make sure the team is ready for the challenge that awaits at the Trailfinders Sports Ground.
“The mood among the girls is great but we’re not overthinking it because it’s still a game that we have to play,” she said. “But we know how much it means to us and how much it means to the club. I’ve been here two years, so I can’t even think how the people who’ve been here from the start are feeling.
“The club has a “never say die, keep going” mentality and no matter what happens, getting up and going again is what has got the club to where we are now. It’s brilliant for me to be in a position to help contribute.
“As captain I’ve tried to stay as composed as I can. I have some experience in high-pressure knockout games, and I want to reassure those new people coming in. A lot of our focus is making sure we do our roles well and know our detail. I’m a firm believer that confidence comes with competence.
“I don’t feel like anything has been significantly different in how we’ve prepped. We’re keeping in mind that the stakes are higher, but I’m not trying to get too ahead of the occasion early on.”
This cup period has been notable for the emergence of new Sharks who have graduated through the club’s pathway with Honey Cockroft-Smith, Lotte Peirsegaele, Harriett Thompson-Ogden, Spencer Boldt and Georgina Holmes all making their debuts.
Sharks fans have also had a first glimpse of new signings Kendall Waudby, Freya Aucken and Red Rose Tatyana Heard. But it’s been a returning Shark who has caught the captain’s eye.
“Sophie Hopkins has come back from playing in France this year and has just been outstanding,” she said. “Her defensive work is unbelievable, and she’s really one to watch.
“This competition is so important in preparing us for the season ahead. It’s going to be a long competition, and having depth is going to be a massive thing. The last few weeks have been a nice stepping stone for players to integrate into games before internationals return and things get harder.”
Sharks faced Trailfinders twice in last season’s PWR campaign, with each side winning at the other’s home stadium. So how do the sides measure up this time around?
“It’s interesting because neither side can go into the game thinking one has the edge,” Sharifa said. “It’s technically a 50/50 and it’s all about who can outwit the other on the day.
“For us it’s about nailing our detail and our game plan, and once we get an opportunity, really seize it. I want us to be direct, forceful and aggressive because we don’t want to let this opportunity pass us by.”
