In a daring move, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has thrown his full support behind Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu by appointing him as captain, amidst the backdrop of the team's initial successes and subsequent struggles in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Despite facing criticism after back-to-back defeats to the Sharks, Dobson stands firm on his choice, especially with key players sidelined due to injuries.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepped into the captaincy role during the Stormers’ Investec Champions Cup match against Leicester Tigers in Cape Town. This wasn't entirely new territory for the 23-year-old, having captained the South Africa U20 side in 2022. Critics argue that juggling the responsibilities of lead playmaker and captain might be overloading the young star, but Dobson sees it differently. “He is going to be a brilliant captain,” he asserted confidently in a recent interview.
"The idea was for him to drive the game more, but he is also the captain now as well."
Dobson acknowledges that there's still room for Feinberg-Mngomezulu to grow into his dual role, yet he is optimistic about his potential. “Whether it is a good idea to have your game driver, magic maker, and leader at the same time at that age is probably worth a debate. He is going to be a great Stormers captain, I have got no doubt,” Dobson remarked.
"His rugby brain is insane. I have got no doubt he will be a good captain… Springbok captain, possibly."
Meanwhile, the Stormers are also welcoming back an old face, Hacjivah Dayimani, from Racing 92. Dayimani, who was part of the Stormers squad that clinched the inaugural URC title in 2022, re-joins the team amidst a spate of injuries. “With the likes of Ruan Ackermann, Salmaan Moerat, and Ruben van Heerden out at the moment, a versatile player like Hacjivah gives us a number of different options,” Dobson explained, optimistic about the depth Dayimani brings to the squad.
Dayimani himself is thrilled about his return. “I have learned a thing or two in my time in France and I’m happy to be back in Cape Town to contribute wherever I can,” he shared, excited to add more memorable performances to his Stormers legacy.
The Stormers, with both new and returning talent, are gearing up to face the challenges ahead, aiming to blend experience with youthful vigor in their quest for rugby excellence.
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In a daring move, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson has thrown his full support behind Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu by appointing him as captain, amidst the backdrop of the team's initial successes and subsequent struggles in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Despite facing criticism after back-to-back defeats to the Sharks, Dobson stands firm on his choice, especially with key players sidelined due to injuries.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepped into the captaincy role during the Stormers’ Investec Champions Cup match against Leicester Tigers in Cape Town. This wasn't entirely new territory for the 23-year-old, having captained the South Africa U20 side in 2022. Critics argue that juggling the responsibilities of lead playmaker and captain might be overloading the young star, but Dobson sees it differently. “He is going to be a brilliant captain,” he asserted confidently in a recent interview.
"The idea was for him to drive the game more, but he is also the captain now as well."
Dobson acknowledges that there's still room for Feinberg-Mngomezulu to grow into his dual role, yet he is optimistic about his potential. “Whether it is a good idea to have your game driver, magic maker, and leader at the same time at that age is probably worth a debate. He is going to be a great Stormers captain, I have got no doubt,” Dobson remarked.
"His rugby brain is insane. I have got no doubt he will be a good captain… Springbok captain, possibly."
Meanwhile, the Stormers are also welcoming back an old face, Hacjivah Dayimani, from Racing 92. Dayimani, who was part of the Stormers squad that clinched the inaugural URC title in 2022, re-joins the team amidst a spate of injuries. “With the likes of Ruan Ackermann, Salmaan Moerat, and Ruben van Heerden out at the moment, a versatile player like Hacjivah gives us a number of different options,” Dobson explained, optimistic about the depth Dayimani brings to the squad.
Dayimani himself is thrilled about his return. “I have learned a thing or two in my time in France and I’m happy to be back in Cape Town to contribute wherever I can,” he shared, excited to add more memorable performances to his Stormers legacy.
The Stormers, with both new and returning talent, are gearing up to face the challenges ahead, aiming to blend experience with youthful vigor in their quest for rugby excellence.