Mannie Libbok credits unity in Springboks team after SA Sports Awards win

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Libbok was crowned Newcomer of the Year at the South African Sports Awards in Sun City, where he pipped Karabo Cassius Morapedi & Elanza Jordaan (South African Sport Association for the Physically Disabled, Boccia) and Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee to the prize on Sunday.

The Stormers and Western Province star says they witnessed how winning the Rugby World Cup brought South Africans together.

“It’s being part of the new South Africa, obviously, it’s amazing, it’s very nice being part of it, and sports has the power to bring us together; sport has the power to bring hope to the country, and that’s what all sports do – soccer, cricket, netball, and rugby,” reacted Libbok.

“We saw, obviously, with us winning the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time in France last year, the amount of hope and the amount of happiness it brought to our country, it was immense.”

Libbok, who made his Boks debut in November 2022, when the national team played against France, says winning this award is a privilege for him.

“Obviously to win this award, it means a lot to me, and I just want to thank SA Sports Awards for recognising my efforts,” he added.

“To be nominated among great athletes like Gerald Coetzee and the other nominees, it’s really an honour, and it’s an awesome feeling [to win].”

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