Simelane ‘a perfect fit for Stormers’
Dynamic back division star Wandisile Simelane will take his burgeoning rugby career to new heights thanks to his timely and career-changing move from the Bulls to the Stormers, loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani says.
Dayimani says his own career blossomed at the Stormers and he expects Simelane will also thrive under innovative head coach John Dobson and defence guru Norman Laker.
The pair, who were teammates at the Lions before they went their separate ways, were also school friends at Jeppe High before being reunited in Cape Town this week.
“I went to school with Wandisile from grade 8 and we played for the Lions together, so we know each other really well. I am excited what could come out of Wandisile’s move to the Stormers,” Dayimani said.
“The way we play is definitely a type of style that suits him and I think he is going to excel playing for the Stormers.
“It was his first day with us on Monday but he already loves the culture and vibe at the Stormers.
“Defensively I have improved a lot since moving to the Stormers.
“Our defence coach, Norman Laker, is passionate and also extremely one-on-one based in his approach.
“He is passionate about improving each player he works with and making them defensively strong as individuals.
“Wandy will definitely improve here. I told him he has made the best decision ever, maybe a few years later than he wanted to.
“He has so much X-factor and so much talent. If he works hard and fulfils that talent I am convinced he could be one of the best players this country has ever seen, particularly if he works on the aspects of his game that I know he will.”
The former Junior Springbok star made the move to Cape Town in a trade with Cornel Smit, who joins the Bulls.
“The Stormers are a great team to watch and I can’t wait to see what I can do in that system, surrounded by some top players and coaches,” Simelane said.
“This is a big move for me and I’ll be doing all I can to integrate into the squad and add value as soon as possible.”
Dobson said Simelane was a welcome addition who would fit his team’s game model perfectly.
“Wandisile is an incredibly talented player who is looking for a new start and we are happy to give him the opportunity to grow here where he will be competing with some top players already in our system,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on helping players get their careers on the right trajectory in our environment and we all know the huge potential he has, so hopefully we can help him realise that here.
“Of course with Ruhan Nel ruled out with a long-term injury, the timing is perfect for us and we hope to see Wandile hit the ground running.”
The Stormers will resume their Investec Champions Cup challenge when they face English side Sale Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday.
Sale boast a number of SA African players in their squad, with former DHL Stormers such as Ernst van Rhyn, Cobus Wiese and Rob du Preez set to make the trip to Cape Town next week.
Having seen off the challenge of Stade Rochelais with a dramatic last-gasp touchline conversion from Manie Libbok, the Stormers will be looking to extend their unbeaten home run in the competition.