Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi has returned to training with The Bulls side in Pretoria. Nkosi, 27 broke contact with his club on November 11th, 2022 has been confirmed to be safe by his club, Side Bulls.
The star player, who has earned Springbok 16 caps, was part of the South Africa squad that lifted the World Cup in 2019. He was reported missing by his team, The Bulls , after he reportedly went absent “without leave” for three weeks, and their attempts, plus those of his family members, to reach him bore no fruits.
Nkosi resumed contact in December and said pressure had been “building up for a couple of years”. Speaking to South Africa’s News24, Nkosi said, “It’s just been a whole lot of mental pressure. It’s been building up for a couple of years now. I was just trying to keep myself calm. That’s been a battle. I’m at a point where I need to prioritise the person before the rugby player. He, however, admitted improvements and said that his condition has improved “I’m a lot better. There’s obviously a lot to speak about that I can’t say out loud, but my condition is improving,”.
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In his statement, Bulls Chief Executive Officer Edgar Rathbone applauded Nkosi for his bravery. “I applaud his bravery to want to get back up and not only that but to pursue his rugby dream yet again. He further added, “He is a talented player with plenty to offer the world of rugby, and I am confident that his story now transcends rugby more than it may have before.
NKOSI was found at his father’s house in Emalahleni, which is over 100 Kilometres East of Pretoria.
His father has been his support system through restoring his state. “I just needed time. I’ve basically been curled up in a ball with my dad, and he’s been managing my mental state daily.
He affirmed his commitment to the sport and willingness to go the extra mile as a thank-you gesture for all the support he received during this difficult time. “I come back committed and willing to put in the yards as my way of paying back all the support I received”.
