Ntubeni Retirement: Stormers Legend To Play Final Game vs Connacht
Siyabonga Ntubeni, affectionately known as ‘Scarra,’ has decided to conclude his illustrious career with the Stormers, eyeing a fitting final swansong in front of a home crowd against Connacht this Saturday.
In an era where frequent transfers between unions and overseas clubs are the norm, Ntubeni earns the rare distinction of being a “one-club man,” having served the Stormers with immense heart, resilience, and class.
“Dobbo and I have been having a chat since earlier this year, and it’s been a season for me to taper down,” the 35-year-old Ntubeni said.
“It will be nice to play my final game potentially here at DHL Stadium. I knew this day was going to come. I’m content and happy, and I have enjoyed my run over here,” he added.
When a career spans more than a decade, reflection often turns to the rhythms of daily life as a professional sportsman – the anticipation of heading to training, the focus of team meetings, and the build-up to match day.
Ntubeni admitted that it was precisely this routine he would miss most, making the decision all the more difficult, especially as he had been discussing his impending retirement with his family for some time.
“It was a tough decision, although it’s not the absolute final call,” said Ntubeni.
“We never know what can happen. After this game, if needed, I’ll stay in shape and be ready if anything comes my way.”
“I will be part of the squad until the end of the season. Dobbo wanted to give me one potential last game at home.”
“I have enjoyed my time here, and I am grateful for what this union has done for me and what they mean to me,” he reflected with gratitude.
The veteran with over 100 appearances for the Cape side – earned against the Sharks in a URC clash in 2023 – reflected on some of his standout moments in the famous jerseys he has adorned.
“The 2012 Currie Cup is among my top three highlights,” he said. “Myself, Kitsie (Steven Kitshoff) and Frans (Malherbe) scrumming against Bizzy (Bismarck Du Plessis), Jannie (Du Plessis) and Beast (Mtawarira). I think we handled ourselves well. That was special because we didn’t win the Currie Cup in eleven years.”
“The second one was the nine minutes I got against Argentina,” he continued. “Being on three or four end-of-year tours and not playing, I gave up on the dream of playing, so that was special.”
“Having my son here on my 100th appearance against the Sharks in 2023 because it was his first game coming to the stadium.”
Although the latter part of his career was blighted by constant injury – at one point he did not play a game in two years – Ntubeni looked back at the support he had with gratitude as he credited his family, teammates, coaching and medical staff, as well as the union for standing by him and believing in him through the most arduous of periods.
On his legacy, Scarra is determined to act as a mentor for young players coming through the ranks and hopes he has inspired the next generation of talent.
Having grown up as a Stormers supporter, Ntubeni calls Cape Town home, and it is the local faithful who are ready to bid him a well-deserved farewell as he bows out with immense respect and adulation.
