The rugby world was buzzing over the weekend as 23-year-old Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu delivered a show-stopping performance against Argentina.
Scoring a hat-trick of tries, he helped the Springboks secure a commanding 67-30 victory in Durban, earning the coveted Man of the Match title.
While fans celebrated his athletic feats, social media quickly turned its attention to Sacha’s decision to carry both his parents’ last names, prompting a mix of admiration and questions from the public.
Father Nick Feinberg Responds to Troll’s Question
Nick Feinberg, Sacha’s father, who is a well-known Heart FM DJ and respected sports writer for the Daily Voice, addressed a race-tinged comment from a troll on X.
The user asked why Sacha had chosen to use both surnames, suggesting that the father might have pressured him to include his “hard-to-pronounce name.” Nick replied with a firm but measured response:
“I don’t normally answer stuff like this.
But to satisfy whatever deep need you are servicing, the answer to that is no.”
He also thanked fans for the overwhelming support following Sacha’s standout performance in Durban.
A Closer Look at Sacha’s Family Background
Sacha’s parents come from diverse backgrounds.
His father, Nick Feinberg, was born in Britain, while his mother, Makhosazana Mngomezulu, is South African and of Zulu heritage.
Sacha proudly carries both surnames, reflecting the union of his parents’ histories.
Nick jokingly shared with Jacaranda FM that his career on radio has now taken a backseat:
“I’ve been on the radio probably over 25 years. But now I’m completely redundant, and I’m just known as Sacha’s dad.”
Sacha’s mother, an advocate in the Cape Bar, frequently shows her support on social media, retweeting messages from fans cheering on her son.
A Legacy of Activism and Creativity
Sacha’s paternal grandfather, Barry Feinberg, was a prominent anti-Apartheid activist, as well as an accomplished artist, poet, and author.
According to SABC, Barry played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in designing publicity materials for the anti-Apartheid movement.
This rich family history of activism and creativity is mirrored in Sacha’s dedication and determination on the rugby field.
A Talented Family Beyond Rugby
Athleticism and public presence seem to run in the family.
Sacha’s older brother, Nathan Mngomezulu, is a familiar face from the Netflix show Too Hot To Handle and works as a model.
Nathan often takes to social media to praise and support his younger brother, highlighting the close bond between them.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s remarkable rise in rugby, combined with his diverse heritage and supportive family, has made him a compelling figure both on and off the field.