Hacjivah Dayimani has welcomed the opportunity to reunite with Wandisile Simelane, backing the DHL Stormers to help his best friend realise his potential. DYLAN JACK reports.
It was confirmed last week that the DHL Stormers had successfully completed the signing of Simelane from the Vodacom Bulls, in a deal that will see Cornel Smit move in the opposite direction.
MORE: Simelane arrives at Stormers promised land
The fleet-footed centre went through his first training session with his new team on Monday and is in contention to make his debut in the Champions Cup clash against the Sale Sharks in Cape Town on Saturday night.
Stormers loose forward Dayimani, who has known Simelane for over a decade, expressed his delight at being able to once again call his friend a teammate.
“I went to school with Simelane, from Grade 8 to matric. We also started at the Lions together. So he’s been a long-term friend,” Dayimani said.
“For him to come to the Stormers is something I’m very excited about. I’m very excited to see how it’s going to pan out, especially with how we play. It’s the type of style that suits him.
“He’s very excited to play his first game. He’s loving the vibe and loving the culture.”
Putting the happy in happy new year. More good times on the way at DHL Stadium on Saturday.
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— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) January 8, 2024
Simelane arrives in Cape Town having played just five minutes for the Vodacom Bulls this season, after falling out of favour at Loftus Versfeld.
While questions have been raised over aspects of Simelane’s game, Dayimani is confident the Stormers will help him become one of the best in his position.
“I fully believe this will really help him. Especially with how it helped me, defensively, working with a guy like Norman Laker who is very passionate about defence and is one-on-one based,” Dayimani explained.
“Norman is a guy who will pull you to the side, tell you what you are doing wrong and set goals for you on the weekend. He is just on your case every single day.
“I think Wandi will definitely improve. I told him this a couple of times, I said to him, ‘Listen, bro, you have made the best decision’. He was supposed to come here earlier, but I am very happy that it’s done now.
“Without a doubt, he has X factor, he is very talented and he could be one of the best 13s the country has ever seen.”
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images