VIDEO: Update on Stormers' injured Springbok star
WATCH as Springbok and Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok gives fans a glimpse into his journey back to the playing field.
Libbok has been on the sidelines since January after he sustained a knee injury during the URC Round 10 clash against Leinster in Dublin.
The Springbok left the field in the 38th minute and was replaced by 20-year-old centre Jonathan Roche at flyhalf during the 12-36 loss to the Irish giants.
The flyhalf’s absence has been a massive blow for the Cape Town franchise, who have been dealing with a hefty injury toll at times this season.
Last month, Stormers head coach John Dobson conceded that Libbok could be back for the final league match against Cardiff in the middle of May.
In a video posted by Stormers via their official social media channels, Libbok shared his progress and the work he has been doing.
*Article continues below…
Speaking on Libbok’s recovery, Stormers Strength and Conditioning coach Nico de Villiers stated it was a very ‘complex injury’.
“We had to figure out what will work for him and what doesn’t work.
“However, Manie is such a technician, so once we figured out what he needs to do and explained it to him, we got his buy-in.
“He is very self-aware of the exercises and does them very well.
“It’s a pleasure to work with guys who want to get back.”
“At this phase, it’s basically prepping him to run and getting him stronger to run.”
Libbok said: “The important thing for me was to embrace the journey and use it to focus on different things.
“I got a chance to focus on stuff I don’t usually think of when I’m healthy and playing, and coach Nico helped a lot.”
He added: “I’m spending more time with my wife [Verna-Lee] and working on myself to be a better man and a better son.”
Stormers face a fierce battle for a play-off spot.
The side are currently 10th with 35 points and will take Connacht (April 19), Benetton (April 26), Dragons (May 10) and Cardiff (May 16) in Cape Town in the last four URC rounds.
