Sanele Nohamba formerly of the Emirates Lions is off to play in Japan. Picture: Nokwanda Zondi, BackpagePix
Rowan Callaghan
The Lions have been stretched thin at flyhalf this season, so the news this week of the departure to Japan of the versatile Sanele Nohamba, who can play both at scrumhalf and flyhalf, will have come as a shock to many.
Young Sam Francis has had to shoulder a heavy burden at pivot, and has stood up valiantly to the challenge. But his lack of experience has been exposed at times ‒ especially in the Jukskei Derby against the Bulls. But that is only a minor blip in an otherwise solid campaign, and one which coach Ivan van Rooyen is willing to overlook.
The 21-year-old, who has shown that he has all the tools to be great, with his fine display in the mauling of the Dragons a prime example. Maybe he just needs to be given more time to develop, but that is a luxury in short supply at Ellis Park.
The injury woes of Kade Wolhuter have not helped matters.
When he was named in the Lions squad to take on the Pumas in the weekend’s friendly match in Modimolle, Limpopo, there was cause for optimism among the pride. However, it is uncertain if he will make it through the rest of the season unscathed.
Van Rooyen also spoke in glowing terms about the potential of Lububalo Dobela, who had joined from Suzuki Griquas. He also featured in the match in Modimolle, starting at fullback.
Suddenly the Lions’ options at flyhalf didn’t look that bad, with the added versatility offered by Dobela and Nohamba a bonus.
The Nohamba bombshell has dampened any optimism that these developments had built up, however. It is a sad ending to a Lions career for a player who was crowned United Rugby Championship Player of the Season in 2024 and participated in a Springbok alignment camp.
The exciting attacker and accurate goal-kicker has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot in the Lions starting line-up since those heady days. The passing of his father is said to have affected his rugby. Lions defence coach admitted as much in explaining the visible drop-off in form.
His recent participation in Lions games has been limited to a combined 50 minutes against the Stormers in December and Montpellier in January.
It is perhaps not surprising, then, that Nohamba would seek a new challenge, to revive a career that promised so much but failed to deliver of late. There are no further details of his next destination, but maybe the change in scenery is just what he needs.
But where does that leave the Lions?
They will have to soldier on with Wolhuter and Francis as the main flyhalf options, and can only hope that Dobela will not need much time to settle in. If he can come close to matching the impact the thrilling Nohamba had in his prime, electrifying the Lions attack and finding space behind defensive lines with almost consummate ease, then the Joburgers will be just fine.
The Lions’ loss will be Japan’s gain should Nohamba recapture those glory days.