Springbok star Manie Libbok still coming to terms with national hero status

SPORT

It’s been six months since the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup, but the team’s flyhalf, Manie Libbok, is still trying to wrap his head around the fact that he is a national hero by virtue of being a world champion. 

The 26-year-old Stormers player was named Newcomer of the Year at the SA Sports Awards this past weekend.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi scooped the Sport Star of the Year and People’s Choice of the Year, while lock Eben Etzebeth was named Sportsman of the Year. 

Other gongs were Coach of the Year, awarded to Jacques Nienaber, as well as Team of the Year, Administrator of the Year and Federation of the Year. 

Libbok, who hails from Humansdorp in the Western Cape, caught the attention of either selfie hunters or those who are just keen to have a quick chat and relay congratulatory messages.

He said: “No man, I don’t think it has sunk in yet. For me, I just wanna be out there, be at my very best. And like I said, if I get the opportunity to play for the Springboks and represent my country - it’s a privilege and honour to wear the jersey.”

“It’s really an amazing feeling. We knew at the World Cup already, that we had the support back home. It’s the people of South Africa who carried us through at the World Cup - their relentless support and believing in us, and all of that."

Following his debut at the World Cup hosted by France late last year, Libbok was nominated for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, which was awarded to Mark Tele’a of New Zealand.

He has the United Rugby Championship’s Fans Player of the Season award.  

READ: New goals, new surname, same ol’ Tatjana

With all the awards and praises that have followed him since he burst into the scene with the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship season two season ago, Libbok said “rugby changed my life heavily”.

He said: 

As a World Cup debutant, Libbok pointed out that the pressure of playing on the global stage weighed differently.

At the Boks, Libbok is competing for the Number 10 spot with Handrè Pollard, known for his accurate boot from the dead-ball.

Asked how many balls he go through to perfect kicking skills, Libbok said:

Manie Libbok perfecting his kicking skills during a Springbok training session at the Rugby World Cup.

Steve Haag Sports