Why Simelane is the perfect fit for Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers star Hacjivah Dayimani is confident that his best friend Wandisile Simelane will “excel” in Cape Town.
Simelane joined the Stormers earlier this year in a swap deal which saw Cornel Smit heading north to join the Bulls.
Since making the move, Simelane has been integrating himself into the Stormers environment and systems at training.
While yet to make his official debut, he has been training well and having played with him before, Dayimani is convinced that the midfielder will fit in perfectly at the Stormers.
“I went to school with him from Grade Eight, we went into hostel together and we played for the Lions together, so we know each other really well and I am very excited about what could come out of Wandisile’s move to the Stormers,” said Dayimani.
“The way we play is definitely a style that suits him and I think he is going to excel playing for the Stormers.
“He is already loving the culture and the vibe, and of course, he’s with his best friend,” he added.
Dayimani joined the Stormers in 2021 and has been hugely impressive, with his pace and unique skillset giving the team even more X-factor.
He credits the coaching staff for improving him as a player over the last three years and feels confident that they will be able to do the same for Simelane.
“Defensively I have improved a lot since moving to the Stormers.
“Norman Laker is very passionate and also extremely one-on-one based in his approach. He is passionate about improving each player he works with and making them defensively strong as individuals,” said the loose forward.
“Wandi will definitely improve here and I told him he has made the best decision ever, only maybe a few years later than he wanted to.
“He has got so much X-factor and so much talent and if he works hard and fulfils that talent I am convinced he could be one of the best players this country has ever seen. Particularly if he works on the aspects of his game that I know he will,” added Dayimani.
Simelane’s natural talent has been clear for everyone to see since his junior days, but it is the future that looks especially bright for the fleet-footed centre as he settles into life as a Stormer.
The Stormers will be back in action on February 17 when they face the Sharks in Durban in the United Rugby Championship.
@THESTORMERS
