Thando Manana has impressed many with his tough tackling and performances on the flank this season. But inexplicably the 23-year-old Springbok flanker still finds himself without a contract for 2001.

The Sharks approached Manana a month ago, but their interest seems to be waning. Manana, who made his Bok debut against Argentina A last month, declined to sign a contract with Griquas, whom he joined this year, and they are no longer interested in his services.

Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl told Beeld newspaper: "The Sharks haven't finalised their plans for next season. But the possibility exists that Thando might not get a contract."

And according to Griquas coach Swys de Bruin, there is no longer money to pay Manana. "I have already contracted three development players with the money that was intended for Thando.

"This was after Baby Richards (president) and Marius Franken (chief executive) tried to get him to sign five times. We even gave Thando a deadline after the (Bok) tour. He assured me he was negotiating with Natal."

Manana, the defender of the series in this year's Vodacom Cup, said he is still undecided about his future. "I still don't know what I'm going to do. I just want to play Super 12 rugby. It doesn't matter where."

De Bruin said the ball is now in the SA Rugby Football Union's court. "This is Sarfu's problem rather than the provincial union's. It's worrying that after being chosen as a Springbok there is suddenly no place for him in a Super 12 team.

"What hurts me the most is that I repeatedly warned him that he isn't ready to fly the coup yet. He needed another season at Griquas."