It’s been six months since the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup, but the team’s flyhalf, Manie Libbok, is still trying to wrap his head around the fact that he is a national hero by virtue of being a world champion.
The 26-year-old Stormers player was named Newcomer of the Year at the SA Sports Awards this past weekend.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi scooped the Sport Star of the Year and People’s Choice of the Year, while lock Eben Etzebeth was named Sportsman of the Year.
The Springboks cleaned up at the #SASportsAwards last night ?????? pic.twitter.com/Jd4gNLujMm
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 6, 2024
Other gongs were Coach of the Year, awarded to Jacques Nienaber, as well as Team of the Year, Administrator of the Year and Federation of the Year.
Libbok, who hails from Humansdorp in the Western Cape, caught the attention of either selfie hunters or those who are just keen to have a quick chat and relay congratulatory messages.
He said: “No man, I don’t think it has sunk in yet. For me, I just wanna be out there, be at my very best. And like I said, if I get the opportunity to play for the Springboks and represent my country - it’s a privilege and honour to wear the jersey.”
“It’s really an amazing feeling. We knew at the World Cup already, that we had the support back home. It’s the people of South Africa who carried us through at the World Cup - their relentless support and believing in us, and all of that."
Following his debut at the World Cup hosted by France late last year, Libbok was nominated for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, which was awarded to Mark Tele’a of New Zealand.
He has the United Rugby Championship’s Fans Player of the Season award.
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With all the awards and praises that have followed him since he burst into the scene with the Stormers in their United Rugby Championship season two season ago, Libbok said “rugby changed my life heavily”.
He said:
As a World Cup debutant, Libbok pointed out that the pressure of playing on the global stage weighed differently.
At the Boks, Libbok is competing for the Number 10 spot with Handrè Pollard, known for his accurate boot from the dead-ball.
Asked how many balls he go through to perfect kicking skills, Libbok said:
SA Sports Awards winners at a glance
Sport Star of the Year: Siya Kolisi (Springbok captain)
People’s Choice of the Year: Siya Kolisi (Springbok captain)
Sportsman of the Year: Eben Etzebeth (Springboks)
Sportswoman of the Year: Kirsten Neuschäfer (Sailing SA)
Sportsman of the Year With a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (SA Sport Association for the Physically Disabled, Para Athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simone Kruger (SA Sport Association for the Physically Disabled, Para Athletics)
Team of the Year: Springboks
Newcomer of the Year: Manie Libbok (Springboks)
Coach of the Year: Jacques Nienaber (Springboks)
Administrator of the Year: Mark Alexander (SA Rugby Union)
Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Ntsanwisi (Vakhegula Vakhegula)
Indigenous Games Team of the Year: Diketo Gauteng
National federation of the Year: SA Rugby Union
Recreation Body of the Year: Amandla Social Enterprises (WC)
Sport Photo of Visual Journalist of the Year: Samuel Shivambu (BackpagePix)
Sport Journalist of the Year: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24)
School Team of the Year: Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale — Tug of War 560kg junior men’s team
Developing School Team of the Year: Hlabi Secondary School — Netball U-19 team
Technical Official of the Year: Sean Rapaport (SA Hockey Association)