Sintu Manjezi has established himself as one of South Africa’s most versatile and dynamic rugby players, known for his imposing presence and exceptional skills both in the second row and back row positions.
Early Life and Background
Born on April 7, 1995, in East London, South Africa, Sintu Manjezi is currently 29 years old. Standing at an impressive 1.98 meters (6 feet 6 inches) tall and weighing 118 kilograms, Manjezi’s physical attributes made him a natural fit for rugby’s forward positions from an early age.
Manjezi attended St. Andrew’s College in Grahamstown, where he played for the first team between 2011 and 2013, ultimately captaining the side in his final year. His leadership qualities and rugby prowess were evident early on, setting the foundation for what would become a distinguished professional career.
Interestingly, rugby wasn’t Manjezi’s only sporting talent. He also played cricket at youth provincial level, representing the Eastern Province Under-19 team in 2012 and 2013, showcasing his versatility as an athlete before fully committing to rugby.
Rise Through the Ranks
Manjezi’s rugby journey began with provincial representation in 2011 when he was selected for Eastern Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in Queenstown. He started all three matches and scored a try against SWD Eagles, earning him a place in the South African Under-16 High Performance squad.
His rapid development continued as he progressed through various youth tournaments. Despite being in the Under-17 age group in 2012, he was selected to represent Eastern Province Country Districts at the prestigious Under-18 Craven Week in Port Elizabeth, where he started in a memorable 28-27 victory over Griquas Country Districts.
Professional Career Journey
Eastern Province Kings (2016)
Manjezi’s professional career began in earnest in 2016 when he was promoted to the Eastern Province Kings squad following the union’s financial difficulties. At just 20 years old, he was not only selected for the team but also named vice-captain, demonstrating the high regard in which he was held.
He made his Currie Cup debut for Eastern Province at the young age of 20, making 15 appearances in the 2016/17 season. This early exposure to professional rugby laid the groundwork for his future success.
Griquas and Free State Cheetahs (2017-2020)
After his stint with Eastern Province, Manjezi moved to the Griquas, where his talents continued to shine. His impactful displays caught the attention of the Toyota Cheetahs, earning him a move to the Bloemfontein side.
With the Cheetahs, Manjezi’s career reached new heights. His dynamic playing style played a vital role in helping the Cheetahs secure a place in the Guinness PRO14 playoffs in 2019, marking the first time a South African franchise had reached the knockout stages in the competition.
Bulls Era (2020-2022, 2024-Present)
In June 2020, the Blue Bulls confirmed that the 25-year-old lock forward would join the Vodacom Bulls from the Toyota Cheetahs. The move proved to be a significant step in his career.
Manjezi starred in the January 2021 Currie Cup final against the Sharks at Loftus, helping the Bulls secure the championship. However, his progress was temporarily halted by a long-term knee injury that limited his opportunities under director of rugby Jake White.
Glasgow Warriors Experience (2022-2024)
In May 2022, Manjezi signed with Glasgow Warriors, describing the opportunity as “one I couldn’t turn down.” He expressed excitement about experiencing a new club outside of South Africa and praised the club’s culture and ambitions.
During his time with Glasgow Warriors, Manjezi’s expertise at the set-piece and dynamism with ball in hand helped the Scottish club significantly. He spent two successful seasons with Glasgow Warriors, gaining valuable experience in different rugby cultures and playing styles.
Return to Bulls (2024-Present)
In July 2024, Manjezi returned to Loftus Versfeld, signing a contract with the Vodacom Bulls until 2028. The 29-year-old expressed that “coming back home was a definite easy decision,” citing his positive memories from his first stint with the club.
Reflecting on his time abroad, Manjezi noted: “Being abroad was good, getting to experience different cultures, people and a way of life. Glasgow is a wonderful club and I enjoyed being challenged and learning in a different environment. The identity there was speed of play and mauling which I’ve added to my game”.
Playing Style and Position
Manjezi is equally adept in the back-row as he is in the second-row, with his regular positions being lock or blindside flanker. His impact on the field is evident through his robust and uncompromising playing style. His strength in the scrum, prowess in the lineout, and ability to secure turnovers make him a valuable asset to any team.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White praised Manjezi’s attributes, stating: “Sintu is a powerhouse that packs all the skills that make a good lock. He is a strong character both on and off the field, and I firmly believe that he will fit in perfectly into our future plans”.
Current Status and Future
Currently, Sintu Manjezi plays for the Vodacom Bulls as a lock in both the United Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup. Recent team selections show him partnering with other experienced forwards in the Bulls’ powerful pack.
With his contract running until 2028, Manjezi appears settled at Loftus Versfeld and continues to be a key figure in the Bulls’ plans. His international experience with Glasgow Warriors has added new dimensions to his game, making him an even more valuable player for the Bulls.
Conclusion
Sintu Manjezi’s journey from a promising schoolboy player to an established professional rugby star exemplifies dedication and continuous improvement. His ability to adapt to different playing environments, from South African rugby to the Scottish United Rugby Championship and back, demonstrates his versatility and mental strength. As he continues his career with the Bulls, Manjezi remains a player to watch in South African rugby, bringing both experience and ambition to one of the country’s premier rugby unions.
