Nohamba is on the radar

Sanele Nohamba (above) is back on the Springbok radar once again after he was selected to be part of the 43-man squad for the first Bok alignment camp of the season taking place in Cape Town early next month.

Nohamba is no stranger to the Boks, after he came through the SA youth system as one of a number of promising Junior Boks, but saw his career take a dip, before he re-ignited his career with his move to the Lions.

Back in 2019 Nohamba and his fellow Sharks scrumhalf at the time Jaden Hendrikse, were major rivals battling it out for the starting jersey for both the Junior Boks and their franchise.

Both players were then included in the Bok squad for the British & Irish Lions series in 2021, but while Hendrikse’s career took off, Nohamba’s slipped away as he was eventually passed by Grant Williams, both at franchise and national level.

His shift up to the Lions has then seen a massive turnaround in his fortunes and form, as he has rediscovered the enjoyment of playing rugby, which has now led to him playing some of the best rugby of his career and another call-up into the Bok system.

“I think it was one of the focus points coming up to Joburg. I think the last couple of months at the Sharks I didn’t really enjoy playing as much. I also wasn’t playing as much and that added to the factor,” explained Nohamba.

“Coming up to Joburg I came to work hard, to enjoy my rugby and to see what happens. The more I enjoy it the better I play, so I think enjoying it has been the best thing for me.

“I think I am (playing some of his best rugby). But obviously I am still looking to improve. I am still working on the game. You can’t just stick to one level. I am still working on different parts of my game to try and put my best foot forward, and get higher accolades.”

Getting as much out of the alignment camp will now be the goal for Nohamba as he continues to try and take his game to the next level.

“It is a huge honour and privilege for me to be back in the Springbok squad again. I am just looking forward to the alignment camps.

“To see what the goals are for the year, see where I stand with the coaches and see what happens. So I am just excited,” said Nohamba. “I just want to learn (as much as possible).”