Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has committed his future to the Lions for the foreseeable future, the union revealed on Wednesday.
The burly Ntlabakanye has become a crowd favourite at Ellis Park, and has built up a cult following amongst the team’s supporters due to his notable workrate. His defensive prowess, which has seen him smear a number of opposition players into the turf, has also become a treat to watch, adding to his growing aura.
His re-signing to the Johannesburg-based team comes at the perfect time, after the disappointing news earlier this week that utility half-back Sanele Nohamba has left the Lions for Japan with immediate effect.
The man they call the Jozi Bulldozer. He's here to stay.#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/iSd4EoDH7n
In a short statement released by the union on Wednesday, Ntlabakanye stated: “I’m here to stay!
“This means a lot to me. Having been part of the Lions family since my school days, and now getting the opportunity to stay here for a few more years is incredibly special to me.
“To all the Lions fans – I look forward to seeing a whole lot more of you at Emirates Airline Park.”
Ntlabakanye’s new contract will see the 25-year-old remain at the union until 2028.
https://youtube.com/shorts/QkE23tHjdJI?si=zb5LgpkkUwaikMuB
The Lions, meanwhile, are currently enjoying a week off from United Rugby Championship (URC) duty. They will return to action next week when they host the Stormers at Ellis Park in the tournament.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen and Co are currently on a four-match losing streak in the URC, having last won in the competition against Zebre in October 2024. They have since lost to Leinster, Munster, the Stormers, and most recently the Bulls.
They are currently 13th in the standings, with four wins and four losses, on 19 points and two games in hand. They trail eighth-placed Edinburgh by five points.
It is a situation that Ntlabakanye and his teammates will want to rectify immediately, starting with the Stormers next week, and especially after letting slip a positive start to their 2024/25 URC campaign.