Outgoing Cheetahs forward Sintu Manjezi says he is grateful for the opportunities he received at the Free State franchise as he now gets set to head to the Vodacom Bulls.
As reported by SARugbymag.co.za last week, Manjezi makes the move to the Bulls after lengthy speculation about his future, with a deal finally struck to ensure clarity on the matter.
‘I’m grateful to the Cheetahs for the opportunity they gave me. From the coaching staff to the players, I thank them for all the support and guidance that they’ve given me over the past two years,’ Manjezi posted on social media.
‘For me, the Cheetahs is a place that allows you to express yourself as a player and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to do that.
‘Winning the Currie Cup is one of my most memorable moments here at the Cheetahs. As I leave, I look forward to being a part of the Bulls and I’m excited for what lies ahead.’
Some of the uncertainty around where Manjezi would continue his career stemmed from an apparent difference of opinion around a prior assertion that he was set to remain at the Cheetahs.
However, the talented 25-year-old was believed to be very keen on making the move to the Bulls, with the desire to play Vodacom Super Rugby said to be a considerable motivating factor.
An eventual resolution saw an agreement struck to see Rosko Specman link up with the Cheetahs from the Bulls earlier than expected in a deal where the two players will effectively swop franchises.
‘There was a lot of uncertainty in my life but now I have clarity and I look forward to the future,’ Manjezi told OFM Sport.
Meanwhile, Bulls coach Jake White said they were looking forward to welcoming Manjezi to Pretoria.
‘Sintu is a talented player for the future and is a powerhouse that packs all the skills that make a good lock. He can slot in at lock or as a loosie, and I firmly believe that he has what it takes to play at the highest level.’
