Sharks wing Thaakir Abrahams says he feels honoured to be compared to Springbok flyer Cheslin Kolbe, someone he has looked up to as an inspirational figure.

Abrahams has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Sharks in the 2021 Currie Cup, earning plenty of plaudits for his ability to beat opponents with his excellent footwork and break tackles despite his diminutive frame.

Most recently, the 21-year-old shot the lights out with a fantastic performance against the Lions in Johannesburg this past weekend, where he scored a hat-trick and provided a try assist as the Sharks strode to a 56-14 bonus-point victory, securing a home semi-final in the process.

His skill has had him being compared to Kolbe, who has gone on to achieve great success with the Springboks and change opinions on whether smaller players can make it in Test rugby.

Abrahams, who like Kolbe grew up in the Western Cape, said it was an honour to see comparisons between himself and the World Cup winner.

“He [Kolbe] has done really well, he’s an inspiration and certainly someone I look up to,” Abrahams said.

“He’s a great player, one of the best wings and finishers in the world, so to be compared to him is quite an honour.

“Growing up I looked up to players like JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana. While I was playing in high school and primary school, those were the guys who were on form and guys I looked up to.

“I always tried to watch their games every Saturday. I was quite excited to see them on the field,” Abrahams added.

The Sharks, currently in second place, finish their round-robin fixtures with a home game against fifth-placed Western Province in Durban on Saturday.

If the Sharks manage to get a bonus-point victory and the Bulls lose their match against the Cheetahs without getting a log point, they can still leapfrog the Pretoria side into first place on the log.

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