Two years after first being linked with a move to the DHL Stormers, Wandisile Simelane has finally completed the move to Cape Town, where he will realise his immense potential, writes DYLAN JACK.
It was confirmed last week that the 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.
The Stormers made the move in the wake of Ruhan Nel’s knee injury in the final match of last year, which is expected to keep the veteran midfielder out until the end of the season.
However, by no means is this a rushed or panic signing. In fact, it has been over two years in the making.
The Stormers were first eager to add Simelane to their roster in 2020, when the former Junior Springbok star was in a purple patch of form at the Lions.
The plan was to unite Simelane with Junior Springbok teammate Rikus Pretorius – now plying his trade in Japan – in a midfield that could have carried the Stormers for years to come.
An opportunity opened up when Simelane’s contract at Ellis Park was coming to an end during lockdown, with the Sharks also in pursuit, only for the Lions to pull the proverbial rug out from under everyone and activate a clause allowing them to match the Stormers’ offer.
Simelane would leave the Lions in mid-2022, to join Jake White’s project at the Vodacom Bulls. Despite starting 11 games in his first season at Loftus Versfeld, during which he was shifted across the outside backs, he has played just five minutes this season.
The reasons for Simelane’s struggles at the Bulls are multi-faceted, as he has found himself out of favour during a time when Stedman Gans has hit career-best form, while Canan Moodie is seen as the future Springbok No 13.
He hasn’t quite found his footing as a utility back, despite possessing the kicking game, skill and speed that should make him a hit wherever he plays.
However, now in Cape Town, Simelane has a golden opportunity to kickstart his stalling rugby career. There are few better coaches to help him than John Dobson, who has famously provided career lifelines to Manie Libbok and Evan Roos, among others.
Simelane won’t simply be a stopgap signing to fill in while Nel recovers. The 25-year-old is far too talented and, once he makes his debut in the blue-and-white, will bring his own edge to a Stormers backline boasting a plethora of talent.
When Simelane is enjoying his rugby, it is written all over his face. It shows in his broad smile as he spots gaps in the defence, and the way he sticks his tongue out as he leaps across the tryline.
The Stormers’ long-term goal is to keep Cape Town smiling, but in the short term, they have to get Simelane smiling once more.
It’s been far too long since we’ve seen that grin in one of South Africa’s brightest young rugby talents.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
