Cape Town is set to explode with excitement as the HSBC SVNS Cape Town kicks off at DHL Stadium this Saturday, marking a significant homecoming for Springbok Sevens newcomer, Nabo Sokoyi. After a whirlwind journey across the globe, the uncapped Blitzbok is finally playing where his heart truly belongs.
The 24-year-old Sokoyi, born in Upington and educated in Bloemfontein, embarked on a nomadic rugby career that took him to the Netherlands, England, the USA, Russia, and France. Despite stints in Pretoria and Stellenbosch, Sokoyi's path wasn't always straightforward. He faced setbacks when his contract with the Blitzboks' academy wasn't extended a few years ago.
However, this setback became a catalyst for an unexpected adventure. Sokoyi found opportunities in semi-professional sevens leagues in England and France. "I was in Netherlands for a weekend, then England for a month, and five months in the USA," Sokoyi recounts. He even played 10s with former Blitzboks captain Frankie Horne with the Rhinos.
His journey continued with a stint in Russia under former Blitzbok assistant coach Vuyo Zangqa, followed by returns to England and France, where he represented the Monaco Sevens team.
More recently, Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman tracked Sokoyi's progress, eventually recalling him to the training squad in Stellenbosch. After a standout performance for the Shogun team at the International Invitational tournament in Dubai, Sokoyi is now poised to make his long-awaited Blitzbok debut in Cape Town.
"All those trips suddenly made sense, and today, when I got my jersey, a massive relief came over me," Sokoyi said, reflecting on his incredible journey. The stage is set for a truly special homecoming as Sokoyi prepares to represent his country on home soil.