Following the official unveiling of The Sharks’ refreshed logo and identity to mark 30 years of professional rugby, Controlling Owner Marco Masotti has written a heartfelt open letter to the club’s global supporter base.
Reflecting on his childhood sitting alongside his late father Venio in the South East Stand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Masotti addressed the emotional impact of the rebrand while laying out a clear, long-term blueprint for the franchise’s commercial and sporting future.
Memories from the South East Stand
Masotti emphasized that taking control of the Durban-based franchise was never a cold commercial venture, but a lifelong passion:
“There is a seat in the South East Stand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park that I will never forget… It was where I sat with my father, Venio Masotti. It was where I first understood what it meant to belong to something bigger than myself… Becoming the controlling owner of The Sharks was never a business decision. It was the decision of a supporter who couldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer.”
Key Takeaways from the Owner’s Letter
- Honoring the Past, Securing the Future: Masotti noted that the redesign is not “change for change’s sake,” but a necessary evolution to ensure the next generation falls in love with the club just as he did 30 years ago.
- Core Values Remain Untouched: While the emblem has been modernized, the team’s identity, resilience, courage, iconic Black and White colors, and KwaZulu-Natal pride remain completely intact.
- A Call for Judgment Over Time: Acknowledging that rebrands can evoke strong opinions, Masotti asked fans to judge the project by what the club becomes over the coming years—on the pitch, in the academy pathways, and within the culture.
- Commercial Sustainability: Strategic commercial expansion off the field directly funds world-class players, coaches, facilities, and grassroots development in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Our badge is evolving. Our DNA is not… Every new supporter we inspire. Every meaningful partnership we build. Every investment we make back into rugby. Every young player who pulls on this jersey. All of it serves one purpose: To hand this club to the next generation stronger than we received it.”
