Dobson to put Simelane on the 'Libbok trajectory'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers are slowly becoming the designated franchise to rejuvenate players’ careers and passion for the game.
The next player aiming to use the Stormers to put his career back on track is Wandisile Simelane.
Regarded as one of the most talented backline players as a junior, Simelane drew the attention of the South African public with his incredible performance at the Lions.
He represented the Johannesburg-based franchise across all junior levels and eventually played his way into the Junior Springboks squad.
Representing the Junior Boks at the Under-20 World Championship in 2018, he received rave reviews and was tipped for higher honours.
However, in recent years the dynamic outside back struggled to live up to that initial promise.
In 2022 he moved from the Lions to the Bulls in hopes of finally regaining his mojo, but unfortunately, the move reaped no rewards.
As @rugby365com first reported this past weekend, after a year at the Bulls, the utility back sealed a deal with the Stormers and will be available for selection immediately.
With Ruhan Nel facing a lengthy lay-off due to injury, Dobson said Simelane is a welcome addition who will fit his team’s game model perfectly.
“Wandisile is an incredibly talented player who is looking for a new start,” Stormers coach John Dobson said.
“We are happy to give him the opportunity to grow here where he will be competing with some top players already in our system.”
“Of course with Ruhan Nel ruled out with a long-term injury, the timing is perfect for us and we hope to see Wandisile hit the ground running.”
An interesting development that will certainly help the Stormers’ depth in midfield.
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— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 2, 2024
For the Stormers coach, Dobson, Simelane’s case is nothing new.
The mentor’s current team consisted of loads of players who struggled at different franchises before adapting to the Stormers’ environment and succeeding in their careers in Cape Town.
A prime example is flyhalf Manie Libbok.
Similar to Simelane, Libbok also had his fair share of challenges at the Bulls (2017 to 2020) and Sharks (2020).
Libbok failed to break into the Bulls’ Super Rugby squad and at the Sharks he found himself overlooked in favour of Curwin Bosch at flyhalf and Aphelele Fassi at fullback.
He eventually moved to the Stormers in 2021, where he truly found his feet – leading them to an inaugural United Rugby Championship title in 2022, followed by a Final in 2023.
His outstanding performance for the Stormers caught the eye of Springbok management.
Libbok reached the peak of his career in October when he was part of the World Cup-winning Springbok team in France.
“We pride ourselves on helping players get their careers on the right trajectory in our environment,” Dobson said.
He added he hopes the space will help Simelane reach his true potential.
“We all know the huge potential he [Simalane] has, so hopefully we can help him realise that here.”
The 25-year-old speedster said that he is looking forward to joining his new teammates and starting an exciting new chapter in his career.
“The Stormers are a great team to watch and I can’t wait to see what I can do in that system, surrounded by some top players and coaches,” Simelane said.
“This is a big move for me and I’ll be doing all I can to integrate into the squad and add value as soon as possible.”
The North-South trade
The former Junior Springbok star’s move to Cape Town is part of a trade deal that will see Cornel Smit join the Bulls.
Dobson thanked Smit for his service to the team he grew up supporting and wished him well for the future.
“Cornel is a product of our system and a talented player who has added immense value both on and off the field here,” Dobson said.
“He has been competing for places with some top midfielders, which has meant that hasn’t got the gametime he would have liked or that he deserves, given his talent and dedication.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t make him any guarantees, but he is a top man who will strengthen any squad and he leaves with our best wishes.”
