logo
CONFIRMED: Springbok star heads overseas

CONFIRMED: Springbok star heads overseas

The overseas departure of Stormers and Springbok star Manie Libbok has become a completely 'open secret', but it has now been officially confirmed that he will be joining the Hanazono Liners in Osaka, Japan, on a permanent deal.
Libbok will effectively replace Wallabies legend Quade Cooper, who left the club at the end of this past season.
The Stormers have granted Libbok an early from his contract, which was set to run until 2027.
Recently, Stormers coach John Dobson said that the big money offer from Japan, – coupled with the decision to install Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the team's first-choice flyhalf – all added to the acceptance that Libbok should be allowed to pursue his move abroad.
'Manie is a big loss,' Dobson said. 'We had a fantastic journey with him, and we would've liked to keep him. However, there are two aspects to consider. Sacha, and with good reason, is absolutely adamant about playing flyhalf and he is entitled to it.
'Sacha also doesn't want to be a guy who comes off the bench as a fullback. It was going to be tricky. At the same time, Manie received an offer from Japan that would be described as eye-watering. It would change his whole family.
'We were entitled to do so (hold him to his Stormers contract). But we weren't going to say it and tell him to forego the money, and that he will no longer possibly be our first-choice flyhalf.
'Manie is going with our blessing, thanks, and an open invitation to return which we had a fantastic discussion around it. When he comes back, he will return here. We could not deprive him of this opportunity.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts
Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts

The South African

time3 hours ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng price tag, MTN8 fitness doubts

Orlando Pirates may be counting the cost of their European pre-season. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hinted that several players are carrying knocks, just weeks out from the MTN8 Cup. Although he didn't reveal names, Ouaddou's vague injury update has sparked concern. 'The game is played by young men,' he told local media. 'Swelling and niggles are normal.' The injuries could prove disruptive, with Pirates set to face Polokwane City in the tournament's quarter-finals. The match will also be a test for new signings like Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, should they be fit to feature. The bigger distraction, however, remains the future of Relebohile Mofokeng. PSV are the latest club pushing hard to sign the Orlando Pirates wonderkid. And the numbers being discussed are staggering. 'The R100 million talk is misleading,' a source said. 'It was initially R120 million.' That hasn't stopped interest, nor has it silenced Mofokeng's father. Sechaba Mofokeng made it clear he doesn't want his son playing in South Africa next season. 'Spain, England, Netherlands — Rele can play anywhere. But not Saudi Arabia. He needs to experience UEFA football,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

Rassie reunites with ex in another sweet family portrait
Rassie reunites with ex in another sweet family portrait

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

Rassie reunites with ex in another sweet family portrait

Rassie Erasmus and his family. Images via Instagram: @rasrugby Rassie Erasmus reunited with his ex-wife in a sweet post celebrating his twin daughters' 21st birthday. Carli and Nikki – the Springbok captain's lookalike daughters – celebrated their birthday in a themed bash over the weekend. Nikki – a University of Stellenbosch student and netball coach – is dating Springbok newbie Andre-Hugo Venter. RASSIE REUNITES WITH EX FOR FAMILY POST On his Instagram account, Rassie Erasmus posted a picture of his family at his twin daughters' birthday celebration. The Boks coach posed alongside his youngest daughter Jani, his ex-wife Nicolene, and his twins Carli and Nikki. The twins hosted a cow-girl themed birthday bash attended by friends and family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby) Earlier this year, Rassie Erasmus and Nicolene reunited for what appeared to be a back-to-school pic. Like many divorced couples, they are also co-parenting amicably. Rassie often posts pics of his children, who are undoubtedly his pride and joy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby) A year ago, leaked court documents revealed that Rassie Erasmus and the mother of his three children quietly divorced in April 2024. The couple wed in 2003 and kept their relationship out of the public eye. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

New Orlando Pirates signing will 'die' on the field
New Orlando Pirates signing will 'die' on the field

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

New Orlando Pirates signing will 'die' on the field

Orlando Pirates have signed a gem. Kamogelo Sebelebele's former TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganović has said the winger earned his big break and insists the Buccaneers are getting a complete player both on and off the pitch. The Tembisa-born player's development under Beganović at TS Galaxy culminated in a breakout 2024/25 season, during which he made 29 appearances, scored five goals, and delivered two assists. His progress has been rapid, and his elevation to one of the most exciting prospects in South African football is, according to Beganović, no accident. Update on Kaizer Chiefs and Nigerian striker New Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele in Bafana Bafana colours. Image: CosafaTV 'He deserves to sign that contract because he has been with Galaxy for five years. He is an amazing human being, and the next step for him is to join a club like Orlando Pirates,' Beganović told Sowetan . Kaizer Chiefs news: R70 million income and experienced number six 'He made a good decision to join Pirates because he can still improve there; everything he needs is present. I believe he will get ample game time because he is a complete soccer player… I firmly believe he will excel. 'He's a good player with the right attitude… He deserves that, again he adds value to the team… Tired or not tired, he'll die on the field up until the last whistle. I'm happy for Kamogelo, he deserves this move to be honest,' the Serbian mentor concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store