Loose forward Tera Mtembu has been appointed captain of the Cell C Sharks for the 2014 Absa Currie Cup season.

Mtembu is the 72nd captain of the Sharks and the first black to be appointed to the positon in the team’s history.

“Tera is a talented player and I have great faith in his ability,” said Sharks director of rugby Jake White.

“My hope is that he embraces this leadership role and gains valuable experience as the tournament progresses, which will assist us in grooming him for the next step, which is to become a consistent performer at Super Rugby level and then stake a claim for international honours.”

Mtembu made his debut for the Sharks in both Super Rugby and in the Currie Cup during the 2012 season, but hasn’t been a regular first choice player at either level before now.

The Sharks begin the defence of their Currie Cup trophy with a trip to Kimberley to face GWK Griquas in the first round of the competition.