After an unforgettable breakthrough season, Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has outlined his main objective for 2025.
The 23-year-old was named SA Rugby’s Young Player of the Year on Thursday, beating the likes of Cameron Hanekom, Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn and Henco van Wyk.
Speaking to reporters at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Feinberg-Mngomezulu said it “feels good” to be recognised for his contributions.
He missed out on the World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2024.
“I am super proud to be part of the Springboks and have my life be so easy as a flyhalf like it was last year and to win awards like these.
“Time has passed now, and it feels less as we have more tasks ahead.
“Nonetheless it’s a special feeling.”
The young star was a prominent figure for the Springboks, helping them to a Rugby Championship before a knee injury ruled him out of the year-end tour.
Ever since suffering that setback, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has struggled with several injuries from head knocks to a collarbone issue that required a surgical procedure.
However, the star has been busy with rehabilitation and is expected to be available for the Stormers’ overseas games against Scarlets and Ulster.
The Cape Town side is 12th on the URC table and Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s return would be a massive boost as they push for the play-offs.
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“I feel confident, I feel well prepared, and I feel the injury lay-off time has served me well,” he said when asked about returning to the field.
“I’ve done it properly and put my best foot forward to have a good season and hopefully an injury-free season.
“However, what happens happens and if that means that sometimes my body takes a toll it is what is.
“But I feel very sharp.”
Nothing is a given
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is an immensely talented player and his versatility enabled him to thrive in multiple positions in the backline.
At the Stormers, he switched between flyhalf and centre with ease and at the Springboks he has no problems shining at fullback.
The star revealed that covering various positions has improved his game.
However, he admitted that flyhalf is where he sees himself.
At the moment, the young star has to compete with Manie Libbok for the flyhalf spot at the Stormers, while Jurie Mathee has also shown signs that he wants to keep his place in the 23-man squad.
In the Springbok camp, aside from having to challenge Libbok, the star also has first-choice Handre Pollard and rising flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse to compete with.
“I think the variety of characteristics needed in each of those positions is huge and picking up little traits in a No.12 or No.15 jersey ultimately helps me in the No.10 jumper – which I would like to play in the future.
“I don’t take any of that time in any jersey for granted. Genuinely grateful to play. I had a couple of injuries and understand that game time is never given.
“So, whenever I get an opportunity in any jersey, I just enjoy it.”
He added his main focus this year is to lead from the front.
“Picking my battles is the one thing I will look at the most this year, and being a mature leader on the field.
“I want to lead the team forward and in the No.10 jersey, that’s your responsibility and your job.
“I don’t feel there is much wrong with my general game, I work hard and am confident in it.
“But just leading from the front and leading by example, it’s my main focus for the year.”
