A smile that went from one ear to the other – this was how the Springbok and Stormers playmaker Manie Libbok left Sun City resort after claiming his award as the best newcomer in South African sport.
The 26-year-old was part of the 33-man Springbok squad that had the honour of travelling to France and defend their trophy at the 2023 World Cup.
For Manie, real name Immanuel Libbok, there was added pressure, because not only was this the first time he played at a World Cup after first making his bok appearnce in 2022, but he was also the only recognised flyhalf since regular kicker Handre Pollard had been recovering from an injury at the time.
This was an opportunity for Manie to shine, and he certainly did. In the first game against Scotland, the prodigy from Humansdorp showed exactly why he was in the team by showcasing his attacking abilities and in the process entertained fans with a no-look cross-kick, which led to a try.
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In addition, he steered the ship by starting nearly every game in the World Cup and keeping SA’s hopes alive before the experienced Handre took over the reigns in the final.
To honour Manie for his contributions, he was recently awarded the Newcomer of the Year Award at the SA Sports Awards, on Sunday evening.
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Reflecting on what the award meant to him, he said:
“I am totally grateful and honoured to have won this award. It means a lot to me, and I would like to thank SA Sports Awards organisation for recognising my efforts. To be nominated among great athletes and being among them is honour for me.”
When it comes to being criticised by the public and coaches, Manie is very much familiar with the feeling. The young athlete started his senior career at the Blue Bulls and later moved to the Sharks, but it was not until he moved to Cape Town with the Stormers that he was supported by coaches and his game started flourishing.
So, when the time came for him to give advice to younger players, he simply said:
“I’d say to them that they should keep on pushing and pushing to get where they want to be and achieve their goals.”
Also see: Springboks continue their gold haul at SA Sports Awards
