Concerns Raised by DHL Stormers Director John Dobson Regarding Steven Kitshoff’s Future Post-Surgery
Steven Kitshoff has made his return to the Stormers from Ulster, but he encountered a severe neck injury during the Currie Cup match against Griquas in September. Following a challenging neck fusion surgery, the long-term implications of his injury remain unclear.
In the aftermath of their defeat to the Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Dobson told Sportswire, “You have been given incorrect information. The C1, C2 fusion is one of the most complex types of neck fusions.”
“It’s essential to understand that the outcomes will depend on the success of the neck fusion. The surgery was performed only recently. A neck fusion would not have been necessary unless there was hope for his return to the field.”
“At this point, we must await the assessment of whether the surgery was effective. The location of the fusion raises concerns, as it is situated quite high at C1 and C2. Given the current circumstances, we need to adhere to the protocols; we are genuinely uncertain at this stage.”
Dobson underscored the importance of the surgery to tackle Kitshoff’s issue and possibly enable him to continue his rugby career. Nonetheless, the recovery process is anticipated to be extensive and arduous.
“He underwent the fusion for a specific reason; he might have opted out of playing if he had chosen a different surgical route. We need to evaluate the results of the surgery and monitor his recovery as it progresses,” he remarked.
The Stormers are currently facing several injury challenges, including utility back Damian Willemse, who fractured his finger earlier this season.
Initially included by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series tour in October, he was forced to withdraw due to a groin injury, paving the way for Cameron Hanekom to receive his first national team call-up.
Furthermore, the Stormers are without players like Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Evan Roos. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu left the encounter against the Sharks with a concussion, failing the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and was consequently ruled out.
Manie Libbok stepped in for him, and the chances of Feinberg-Mngomezulu participating in the Stormers’ upcoming European Cup – The Investec Cup – match against French powerhouses Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend appear slim.
