While Springbok and Stormers rugby star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu eyes his return to the rugby field, former Bok and world cup winner Joel Stransky has shared his message of hope and inspiration to young players who have faced the setback of injuries.
On Thursday, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was honoured as SA Rugby’s Young Player of the Year. Cheslin Kolbe clinched the title of SA Player of the Year Kolbe while Nadine Roos walked away with the award for Women’s Player of the Year.
Stransky said players like Damian Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are doing exceptionally well and he has encouraged them to make the most of their opportunities in elite rugby.
“They’re both such young talents. They have so much on their side, and they’ll be around for a long time. I love watching them both play and they’re such integral parts of the team down here, the Stormers and of SA Rugby by the way, the Springboks. The only thing I would say to them is to make the most of every opportunity. Enjoy every moment out there because, because it doesn’t last forever. When you look back one day, you will be incredibly proud of what you have achieved, “said the proud former Bok.
SA rugby’s Medical manager Clint Readhead says the aim is to give back to players who have given their all to represent South Africa. pic.twitter.com/1NNsCPAy9I
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When asked who his all-time favourite rugby star is, Stransky credited his former teammate Joost van der Westhuizen. van der Westhuizen lost his battle with motor neuron disease, in 2017.
“There has been so many greats. I would say Joost right now. He was such a great player, such physical specimen. He was going to live forever,” Stransky reflected.
The 57-year-old father of two said he has never been more confident in South African rugby.
“Ah! I am so proud of South African rugby. We have had such a wonderful six or seven years. Two world cups. We’ve come so far in so many different ways. We have so many great, young players coming through the system. We have a plethora of talent. It’s hard to see any other country being able to compete with us. We will always be one of the top rugby playing nations in the world,” Stransky concluded.
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