DailySun
Concerns Raised by DHL Stormers Director John Dobson Regarding Steven Kitshoff’s Future Post-Surgery
Steven Kitshoff has made a return to the Stormers from Ulster but unfortunately sustained a significant neck injury during the Currie Cup match against Griquas in September. Following a complex neck fusion surgery, the long-term implications of his injury are still unclear.
After their defeat to the Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Dobson informed Sportswire, “You have been misinformed. The C1, C2 fusion is among the most complicated types of neck surgeries.”
“It’s essential to understand that the outcome will depend on the effectiveness of the neck fusion. The operation was completed just recently. A neck fusion was deemed necessary only because it presented a potential pathway for him to return to the game.”
“Now, we need to wait and see if the surgery yields positive results. The area of the fusion raises concerns, as it is situated quite high at C1 and C2. Given the current circumstances, adherence to protocols is necessary; we are genuinely uncertain at this moment.”
Dobson stressed the importance of the surgery in addressing Kitshoff’s issues, which may potentially allow him to continue his rugby career. Nevertheless, the recovery process is anticipated to be prolonged and arduous.
“He underwent the fusion for a specific reason; he might have opted out of playing if he had chosen a different surgical approach. We need to evaluate the surgical outcome and how his condition develops from this point,” he remarked.
The Stormers are currently grappling with several injury concerns, including utility back Damian Willemse, who fractured his finger earlier this season.
Initially chosen by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series tour in October, he had to withdraw due to a groin injury, which opened the door for Cameron Hanekom to receive his first call-up to the national team.
Additionally, the Stormers are without players like Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Evan Roos. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu exited the match against the Sharks due to a concussion, failing the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and was subsequently ruled out.
Manie Libbok took his place, and the chance of Feinberg-Mngomezulu participating in the Stormers’ upcoming European Cup – The Investec Cup – match against the renowned French team Toulon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend appears slim.
