Sacha’s a future Stormers captain

John Dobson says Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s captaincy is the next big step in a long-term plan. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.

The 23-year-old playmaker will lead the Stormers for the first time in Saturday’s vital Investec Champions Cup clash against the Leicester Tigers at Cape Town Stadium. He was also named as one of five nominees for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award, capping off a good Friday for the talented pivot.

Regular skipper Salmaan Moerat is unavailable, senior backs Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse have been sidelined by concussion protocols, and Ruhan Nel is still nursing a calf injury.

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For Dobson, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s elevation is about more than filling a gap.

“He was always earmarked as a future Stormers captain,” Dobson said. “He’s got both components – the technical game management and he’s bought into this project. We’ve got him here long term so we must invest in his leadership.”

It is a significant vote of confidence in one of South African rugby’s most gifted young playmakers, and one Feinberg-Mngomezulu admits still feels surreal.

“Super privileged,” he said. “It should be any young player from this region’s dream to captain the side one day. I got the call from Dobbo this morning and it was a really nice phone call to have at the end of the week before the game.”

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Despite his age, Feinberg-Mngomezulu is not short on support, with experienced heads across the park as the Stormers chase a must-win result to secure a place in the Champions Cup round of 16.

“I’ve got so many great leaders around me,” he said. “I want to set the example and bring my A-game onto the field.”

Dobson says in addition to playing for victory, the Stormers also want to play their more typical, flowing rugby that the fans will enjoy.

“We have to win it and we have to win it properly,” he said. “We need a better performance and get some of that swagger back after two really difficult local derbies.”

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Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images