Like many professional players, Springbok and Stormers star Manie Libbok – who suffered a serious head injury over the weekend – has been playing rugby from the time he could run.
The flyhalf was born and raised in Humansdorp, a small town in the Eastern Cape.
MANIE LIBBOK THROWBACK: CAN YOU SPOT HIM?
In a Facebook post, user Nicole Lauren Moos – from Humansdorp – shared a throwback image of her early school years.
In it was a group of young boys wearing their rugby kits. The pals posed with a man who appeared to be their coach.
She captioned the image: “Hope they’ll be able to forgive me for this post (Even Manie Libbok) Cause what a throwback.
She added: “This crew always forced us to play touchies with them, although they knew they’d always win. Legends were made on the sports field of Graslaagte Primary”.
Can you spot the Springbok flyhalf in the post below…
I hope they’ll be able to forgive me for this post(Even Manie Libbok )😂Cause what a throwback 😂This crew always forced…
Posted by Nicole Lauren Moos on Thursday 5 December 2024
Last year, Manie Libbok was honoured by his old primary school following his first Rugby World Cup win.
According to Algoa FM, Graslaagte Primary erected a special plaque outside the grade one corridor that reads “Manie Libbok se Stoep. “
Thanking the school for the gesture, Manie encouraged the learners to work towards achieving their dreams.
“I am where I am today because of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. I hope the little bit of success I have achieved will motivate you to reach for your dreams.”
FROM STREET RUGBY TO SPRINGBOKS SQUAD
Speaking in a special one-on-one interview with the Springboks, Manie Libbok revealed his dream was always to wear the green and gold shirt.
At a young age, he began playing touch rugby in the streets of his community.
He said: “I dreamt of becoming a Springbok. All I knew were the Springboks.”
Manie added that an uncle gave him a green T-shirt, which he proudly wore. When he eventually got his first Springbok jersey – after being selected by the squad in 2022 – Manie claimed he was in disbelief.
“I couldnt believe I had a jersey in my hand. This was my jersey that I was going to make my debut in. I took that moment just to acknowledge my gratefulness for being able to be in that position. It was very emotional for me. I’m so proud to be a Springbok and a South African”.
@springboks.rugby A plain green T-shirt was Manie Libbok’s step to realising his dream of playing for the #Springboks #bokfriday #strongertogether #justwearit ♬ original sound – Springboks.rugby
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