Former Rugby Player Sbu Nkosi Returns to the Spotlight as a Sangoma, SA Reacts: “Thokoza Mkhulu”
- Former South African rugby player Sbu Nkosi recently returned to the spotlight after a long hiatus
- The former Sharks star posted a picture of himself in an ancestral cloth, which led to many believing he was now a sangoma
- Many netizens flooded the comment section with their reactions to Nkosi's sudden comeback
- Briefly News got insights from a traditional healer and sangoma on what the ancestral cloth symbolises
Source: Instagram
Yoh, after a very long hiatus, popular South African rugby player Sbu Nkosi decided to return to the spotlight. However, his comeback stunned many netizens on social media.
Years after receiving a doping ban and a public mental health battle, the 29-year-old former Sharks and Blue Bulls winger posted a picture of himself wrapped in an ancestral cloth around his waist, which represents a sangoma or traditional healer.
This picture left many netizens stunned to learn that Nkosi is no longer a rugby player but now a "bad boy" sangoma.
Briefly News journalist Jessica Gcaba got insights from a traditional healer and sangoma, Bab'Ngobeni, on what the ancestral cloth symbolises.
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"Imvunulo comes in different designs which represent different ancestral callings. It is what we wear as a form of identity and representation."
When asked if anyone can wear it just for fun, Ngobeni emphasised that the cloth is deeply rooted in ancestral callings and should not be worn haphazardly.
See the post below:
Netizens react to Sbu being a sangoma
Shortly after he made his comeback on social media, many netizens questioned if he would be returning to the field or if he would be focusing on his ancestral journey full-time.
See some of the comments below:
d_tschirpig_ asked:
"When are we getting to see you on the field again?"
slaughter_boy.huncho said:
"Good to see you back champ."
ganza_official_ wrote:
"You and @aphiwe_q04 will always be my favourite SA wingers of all time. Even if we never get to see you score another try, you should know you inspired so many."
mbu_majents commented:
"Thokoza Mkhulu."
two_oceans_one_breath responded:
"Good to see you, brother! Hope to watch you back on the pitch soon, champ. Keep it up."
bigash40 replied:
"Sbu, we support you no matter what, greater things are coming for you guys...We know u are a beast."
Source: Instagram
A look at Sbu's controversy over the past years
The former rugby player has been involved in several scandals. Last year, he received a three-year ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid that is commonly used by bodybuilders. At the time, he was signed by the Cheetahs, who reportedly offered him a "lifeline."
Just months before joining the Gauteng club, Sbu Nkosi had his contract with the Bulls terminated immediately. During his time at the Bulls, he went AWOL in 2022 and used his Instagram account to criticise the club.
According to TimesLive, Sbu, who cited mental health struggles for his absence, had similar issues during his time at the Sharks. In a press conference in 2023, Bulls boss Jake White expressed his concern about the player's decline.
Other rugby-related stories
- Briefly News recently reported on Willie Le Roux's wife, Holly, sharing a heartfelt tribute as her husband became South Africa's 8th Test centurion, but the touching message she posted left fans wondering about their secret to lasting love.
- A Port Elizabeth mall's attempt to screen the Springboks vs Italy match took an unexpected turn when technical difficulties arose, leaving disappointed fans to discover the embarrassing reason behind the broadcast failure.
- Rachel Kolisi led emotional reactions as Willie Le Roux celebrated his milestone achievement with the Springboks, but her specific comment about the rugby legend had fans speculating about their close friendship.
Source: Briefly News
