Young Stormers player Yakin Ahmed is set to take on the number 10 position in the upcoming match against Ulster this Saturday. This decision comes after Ahmed demonstrated heroism by scoring two touchdowns on Saturday afternoon, helping Stormers avoid a potential draw with Scarlets.
These two scores secured the team's victory over the Welsh rivals with a score of 52-40. As the starting Stormers number 10, Sacha Feinberg-Mengomezulu, prepares for deserved rest ahead of international matches in November, Ahmed will lead the team at DHL Stadium.
Stormers faced challenges due to injuries to key hookers leading up to the match, and the bench forward squad was also affected. This will likely force rugby director John Dobson to continue player rotation as the team aims to maintain its unbeaten home run in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Following the win against Scarlets, John Dobson stated that they plan to rest Feinberg-Mengomezulu after his strong performance. Twenty-year-old Ahmed has not had extensive game time yet, but besides being a national side flanker, he is the only other fit back-row player. Yuri Mattee is expected to return after the international break.
Dobson noted the need to rest the primary fly-half: 'We might have to rest someone like Sacha,' he said about his first-choice fly-half. Since returning from the Springboks squad, Feinberg-Mengomezulu has been a consistent number 10 player.
This opens an opportunity for Ahmed, who participated in two intense URC matches against Edinburgh and Scarlets. He returned to the team last weekend after missing two home games and accepted this challenge.
Now he must assume the role of the primary fly-half, and the young athlete is ready to embrace this responsibility.
Commenting on his match against Scarlets, Ahmed expressed joy and gratitude for returning to the team and getting the chance to play the final 20 minutes. He mentioned that the game was difficult due to the unavailability of Si (Seabelo Senatla), so he decided to step up as a young player and help steer the game's flow. He added that the last 20 minutes were particularly tough due to all the injuries occurring, but he is happy to get the chance to play and utilize his skills.
Ahmed emphasized that there is nothing better than playing for Stormers at DHL Stadium. He noted that the advice he receives, such as from Sacha when he steps onto the field, significantly influences his decision-making. In his view, the team managed to hold on in the final minutes. Now the focus shifts to preparing for the next match, analyzing this game, and finding ways to improve.
For Ahmed, it is important not only to have influential voices on the field but also off it, especially during training sessions. He shared that he has absorbed a lot of information from players like Feinberg-Mengomezulu, versatile defender Damian Willemse, and midfielder Kobus Reinah, since their return from Springboks duties.
He considers it a privilege to have Springboks players in the squad, as being young, he is very keen to learn from them and utilize the experience gained in the national team. He stated that he will accept any input from Sacha or Damian, knowing it will help him in the future. These players provide him with great support and dedicate time to his development.