Exciting DHL Western Province back Cheslin Kolbe has been named as the Absa Currie Cup Player of the Month for August.

Kolbe, along with the Sharks coaching team (the collective Absa Currie Cup Coach of the Month), was on Thursday named as the first Currie Cup Player of the Month for 2013. Both announcements were made during the Sharks' team announcement in Durban.

The fleet-footed Kolbe has been a revelation in his debut season in the Absa Currie Cup with his mesmerising runs in the No.11 jersey. The 19-year-old's transition from the junior provincial ranks to senior rugby has been seamless, with Kolbe playing a pivotal role in his side's first place on the points table.

Kolbe – who has scored two tries this Currie Cup season, after also performing well in the 2013 Vodacom Cup – staved off challenges by Sharks loose forward Jean Deysel and Lions flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff, who were also worthy nominees.

“It's a great moment for me to win this award,” said Kolbe on Thursday.

“I didn't expect it, but I'll happily take it because I've worked hard in the competition thus far. I think all my teammates have worked hard and we need to continue doing

so.

“There's still a lot of work for us to do if we want to finish top of the log come the end of the season.”

Deysel has been instrumental in his side's success so far this season with his brutal runs with the ball in hand, while Boshoff's kicking proved a powerful weapon for the Lions.

Brad Macleod-Henderson, Sean Everett and Director of Rugby Brendan Venter have proven to be a powerful management team, judged by the side's second place on the log at the halfway mark.

They have demonstrated what Absa calls the Human Spirit, by embracing the challenge of starting their campaign as a new coaching unit. The trio received an overwhelming vote, with Western Province coach Allister Coetzee also a worthy nominee with his team occupying first place on the Absa Currie Cup table. DHL Western Province has been consistent performers so far winning three of their

five matches and drawing two en route to topping the log at halfway point of the season.