Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has given an update on his rehabilitation from injury and revealed that he is “excited” to help the Stormers as they try to get their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign back on track.
Despite being sidelined for nearly two months, the Stormers and Springboks utility back is in the final stages of rehabilitation from his latest injury and hopes to return to action for the Cape Town-based outfit soon.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu made his Test debut against Wales at Twickenham last June before winning seven further Springboks caps but was struck down by a knee injury during the team’s triumphant Rugby Championship campaign.
The 22-year-old’s injury woes continued when he returned to action for the Stormers during the latter part of last year as he was forced off the field before half-time in three successive URC fixtures.
The Stormers are currently struggling in the URC as they have lost three consecutive matches – against Leinster, the Bulls and the Lions – and are occupying 10th position on the table after winning just four out of 11 games played in the competition so far.
On Saturday, they came off second best in most facets off play en route to a 30-23 defeat to the Lions and are currently involved in a scramble to make the URC play-offs as they only have five matches left to play in the competition.
One of three injured Springboks playmakers
Their cause has been hampered by injuries and they are currently without the services three Boks playmakers in Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse.
Although he is not fully fit yet, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is in the final stages of his rehabilitation from his latest injury and is hopeful of playing his part in helping head coach John Dobson and his charges achieve their goal of qualifying for the play-offs.
“I don’t know if anxious is the right word, but I’m definitely excited to help,” he told Sport24 at a SA Rugby sponsorship announcement in Johannesburg on Sunday.
“I’m not anxious because I feel like our players will perform and we will end up in the top eight like we want. It might be frustrating (being on the outside looking in), knowing that you could bring an element that could help the team.
“But on the other hand, these guys work so hard you’ve got to just trust the process. Not being anxious is the main thing and just being positive and supportive of the team.”
Feinberg-Mngomezulu had his thumb in a protective cover at the sponsorship announcement which corresponded with news from the Stormers camp that he underwent surgery recently.
However, he was coy on his latest setback and would not elaborate on his expected return to action.
“My rehab is going strong, it’s unclear for a reason (the injury situation) because there are no set dates,” he added.
‘I’m just grinding hard and hoping to get back as soon as possible’
“I’m just trying to work hard to get back asap, I don’t want there to be any sort of expectations; I’m just grinding hard and hoping to get back as soon as possible.
“There are a couple of niggles, but they’re mostly sorted, I’m just getting ready to get back.”
Despite being injured, Feinberg-Mngomezulu was named in Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus’ 56-man squad for an alignment camp in Cape Town from March 10 to 12.
Although he has already won eight Test caps, he revealed that being in the Boks environment is something which he still views as an important learning experience.
“It’s amazing, I’m still so new to it, hey, it’s only my second alignment camp, I think,” he said
“The first one was incredible; it’s extremely exciting, whether it’s your first or hundredth time. So, for these [new] guys, as well as myself, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn and get another perspective of the game and ultimately leave there a better player.
“Whether you’re going to play for the Springboks in the year or not, you leave with more insight on the game and a better understanding and knowledge. What I’m most looking forward to this year is to kind of maintain and sustain what I kind of built for myself last year.
“Obviously, being surrounded by such amazing players… hopefully I’ll get the same opportunity to be with those people this year. That just brings out the best in me and my ambition for this year is probably to be better than last year and to provide good answers on and off the field for my teammates.”
