In what can be seen as a major coup for the club, Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok will be a Hollywoodbets Sharks player from next July.
The Sharks have announced that Libbok, who played for Sharks before his career took off at the DHL Stormers in 2021, has been signed on a multi-year deal. Libbok currently plays for Kinetsu Liners in Japan, which was where he headed when he was released from his Stormers contract early - he was initially contracted to the Cape club until 2027 - at the end of the 2024/2025 season.
Contracting Libbok is an example of the Sharks being more scientific and specific in their contracting. Whereas in the past they have been accused of just chasing names without consideration for how those names will fit into the team plan, in this instance, given how Libbok would fit the attacking playing style that is coming through in Durban, the Sharks are getting exactly what head coach JP Pietersen should be looking for in terms of the dynamic he will bring.
WILL MAXIMISE POTENTIAL OF YOUNGSTERS
The Sharks have several exciting young backs coming through, such as the prodigiously talented 19-year-old fullback Zikethelo Siyaya, and Libbok’s presence in the key decision making area of No 10 should maximise the attacking potential of both Siyaya and the other young players such as Jurenzo Julius and Jaco Williams, plus of course Boks like Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe, around him.
Libbok, who turned 29 in July, brings experience of winning the main trophy the Sharks play for, the Vodacom URC, as he was an influential part of the Stormers team that won the inaugural title in 2022. Perhaps the best passer of the ball among the world’s flyhalves, Libbok is a genius when it comes to unlocking opposing defences and making the players around him look good.
There was talk when Libbok parted ways with the Stormers on amicable terms that he would return there once his stint in Japan was finished but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the first choice Bok flyhalf, is contracted to the Cape club until 2029 and John Dobson also has the sublimely talented 20-year-old Yaqeen Ahmed, the Junior Bok flyhalf who won the Junior World Championship this year and who was selected for the current Bok tour, on his books.
The Sharks also have a Junior World Championship winning flyhalf in the form of Vusi Moyo on their books, but the thinking there will be that Moyo can benefit from having Libbok’s experience rub off on him. The Sharks also have Gianni Lombard and Jordan Hendrikse in their squad, but both can also play fullback should they be needed there.
PERFECTLY SUITED TO JP'S PLAN
Pietersen is understandably excited about having Libbok’s X-factor available to him from next season and said that Libbok would perfectly fit the direction he is taking the team in under his coaching.
“Manie is a game changer and playmaker and that is precisely the type of player we need driving our game,” said Pietersen.
“Fast, physical and relentless isn’t just a line for us. It needs players who can bring it to life for us every week and Manie does that. What stood out most when we spoke to him was his hunger. He doesn’t just want to join the Hollywoodbets Sharks, he wants to help build something here with the rest of the squad.
“We are building a team with a strong identity, where every player puts the badge first and plays for the man next to him. Manie buys into that completely. That attitude will rub off onto the younger players and we are really excited to work with him.”
EXCITED TO BE PART OF SHARKS’ “NEW ERA”
Libbok in turn said he was excited about joining up with the Durbanites, who he last played for in early 2021 before moving to the Stormers. He played behind Curwin Bosch at the Sharks and it was in the Cape that his career really took off, with the Stormers’ playing style under Dobson suiting him, but he says now that there is no team he’d rather play for than the Sharks.
“For the next chapter of my career there is no club I would rather be joining than the Sharks,” said Libbok, who is on the reserve bench for the Springboks in Saturday’s opening match of the away leg of the Nations Championship against Italy in Turin.
“This is an iconic club with a proud history and there is real excitement about the future. I want to be part of what is being built here. When I chatted to JP and heard his vision for the team, I knew straight away that there’s something special developing here.
"I want to be part of it. You can feel the new energy and the culture building and this isn’t a club that is afraid to do things differently. I am all in.
“I have had a taste of Durban before, so coming back at this stage of my career with experience behind me, as the club starts a new era, means a lot to me. I can’t wait to pull on the black and white jersey, work with my coaches and teammates, and give everything I’ve got for the badge and the supporters.”
Libbok returning to play in Durban continues a growing trend in South African rugby, with Boks returning from overseas assignments to play for SA teams.
Cheslin Kolbe will make his official return to the Stormers after recovering from his jaw injury in December following several years away in France and Japan, Kwagga Smith is returning from Japan to play for the Vodacom Bulls, who are also poised to sign Malcolm Marx from Japan, while other players such as Handre Pollard, Wilco Louw and Boan Venter have come back to South Africa in recent years.