Photo of Nomonde Simelane

The boys are back! Sacha Feinberg and Damian Willemse return to the pitch for DHL Stormers

2y By Nomonde Simelane

DHL Stormers fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as their dynamic play-making duo Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu and Damien Willemse make their long-awaited return to the pitch on time for the United Rugby Championship (URC) clash.

With both Sacha and Damien succumbing to a series of multiple injuries, the DHL Stormers have been without two of their best players for some months now. In May of 2024, Damien Willemse sustained a finger injury which sidelined him for approximately four months, causing him to miss out on his responsibilities with the Springboks as well. Just after fully rehabilitating the injury, the utility back suffered a groin injury while playing against the Glasgow Warriors in October, sidelining him once more for a further six months.

On the other hand, Sacha suffered a minor injury in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks. Sacha made the error of concealing the injury and playing through it, which led to him aggravating it even further, resulting in knee surgery in September. Luck appeared to not be on Sacha’s side as he sustained a concussion upon his recovery, followed by a hip pointer injury, and then a sternoclavicular joint injury.

Fast forwarding to the present day, the Stormers welcome the much-needed dynamic duo back into their line-up as they are deemed fit to hold their own in the upcoming URC match-up against Wales’ Scarlets and Ireland’s Ulster.

The duo’s return will give the Cape Town side a much-needed boost to the team’s backline, not only in terms of strength but versatility as well. Their return gives coach John Dobson multiple tactical options as his side has consistently struggled to find consistency in their absence. Sacha’s unique playmaking skills, paired with Damien’s positional flexibility as well as experience is set to enhance the team’s adaptability against the different sides they will be facing.

Their return comes at a crucial time as the Stormers hope to maximise the points on this tour before returning to South African shores in April, as they currently sit on the URC log with 28 points.

Also see: New TikTok kid on the block sings along to ‘Un poco loco’ with his mom 

LIFESTYLE

In seeking community, are group chats replacing third spaces?

In an increasingly digital world, the desire for community and human connection remains central to humanity. Whether young or old, everyone seeks it. Due to a dwindling global economy, third spaces are becoming obsolete. Also see: Preparing your pets for the festive season Younger generations find themselves joining group chats to supplement the benefits of participating […]

Read more...
HEALTH & WELLNESS

How to manage stress as the year comes to an end

As the year draws to a close, many people may find themselves feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Work deadlines, financial pressures, family commitments and the desire to finish the year on a high note can all contribute to mounting stress. Also see: Feeling unwell? These physical signs could be linked to stress While occasional stress […]

Read more...
SPORTS

Pitso Mosimane begins 2nd Bafana Bafana stint with crucial win

Bafana Bafana earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening AFCON qualifier on Saturday afternoon. Also see: Pitso Mosimane wants Bafana Bafana to build Springboks-style squad depth Pitso Mosimane’s long-awaited return to the Bafana Bafana dugout got off to an incredible start on Saturday afternoon, with South Africa digging deep to secure a hard-fought […]

Read more...