Try GOLD - Free

Life without magical Manie could be tough for Stormers

Cape Argus

|

June 26, 2025

WHENEVER Manie Libbok pulls on a Stormers jersey, magic is bound to happen on the rugby field.

- COMMENT BY LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

However, his departure from the Stormers confirmed in a video by the Cape side to Japan is not just the end of a brilliant chapter of his rugby career in the Mother City.

But it could also end up in a flyhalf crisis for the team in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.

For a franchise that rebuilt itself around flair, unpredictability and a free-flowing attacking game-plan when they nearly went bankrupt, losing the conductor of that orchestra is more than just a setback; it is a massive blow to their ambitions of winning titles in the future.

Let’s be blunt: the Stormers’ attacking identity doesn’t function without a flyhalf who can pull the strings and improvise on the attack.

Libbok isn’t just any No 10, though.

He has been at the forefront of their resurgence since joining from the Bulls and Sharks, two franchises that failed to unlock the full potential of his talent.

MORE STORIES FROM Cape Argus

Cape Argus

Experts warn of health risks amid dwindling water supply

AS the City of Cape Town's Water and Sanitation Directorate urges everyone to reduce water consumption due to dam levels dropping to 19%, experts warn that while rainfall is uncontrollable, prioritising the protection of existing water resources is essential.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Cape Argus

Trump's withdrawal signals new US policy

THE US's decision to withdraw from 66 international organisations has been described as a political signal that rules and institutions matter less than the country’s personal interests.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Sewer overflow causes chaos

WHAT was meant to be a fun day out turned into a smelly nightmare for families enjoying Llandudno Beach on Tuesday.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Sharks searching for new ‘Butch’ or ‘Michalak’ to fire up listless attack

THE Sharks have sent a squad composed mostly of up-and-coming youngsters to Manchester to face Sale Sharks in the Champions Cup.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

STUDENTS CROWDFUND AS NSFAS FALLS SHORT

Young learners resort to selling food and online appeals to cover university registration and living costs.

time to read

3 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Ramaphosa: Jobs crisis keeps me awake

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the high levels of unemployment in the country, revealing that the issue often keeps him awake at night.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Time to relook school expenses

EVERY year, as the school year kicks off, parents find themselves facing the same daunting challenge: the skyrocketing costs of education.

time to read

1 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Cape Argus

Right to protest ‘under attack’ in UK

HUMAN Rights Watch (HRW) warned yesterday that the UK has “severely restricted the right to protest” in recent years and was expanding “repressive measures” against peaceful demonstrators.

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Democracy is failing to deliver in Africa

ALGORITHMS aside, comments in public discourse that democracy is not for Africa increasingly surface on social media.

time to read

3 mins

January 09, 2026

Cape Argus

Zhipu Al’s successful IPO sets the stage for MiniMax’s market

LEADING

time to read

2 mins

January 09, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size