Manana launches his hard-hitting biography in EL
THE presidential suit at Buffalo Park Stadium in East London was packed to capacity last night with eager ears to witness the book launch of former Springbok Thando Manana’s autobiography.
Manana was officially launching his book Being a Black Springbok, The Thando Manana story before moving on to his hometown of Port Elizabeth today where he will launch it in front of many friends and family.
“The Eastern Cape is the cradle of black rugby. One of the reasons for me to start here in East London is so that I can take a drive past Dale College and go past Selborne College. So many of the rural boys want to come and get education, but on top of that get the opportunity to play for these schools that have unearthed some amazing talent,” said Manana.
“You look at Scarra Ntubeni and Gcobani Bobo, they come from Dale College. You look at Selborne where players like Rory Kockott played, the history of this region is just tremendous.
“It is always good to come down here. I played a couple of games at ABSA Park and I remember my time here fondly.”
The book is a tell-all autobiography about Manana’s life.
“First and foremost, it has been worth the wait. In a sense this book is a life story of the journeys, trials and tribulations that I have endured in my life, from my upbringing, to finally being introduced to the game that many people love and follow so much and that I have become a brand and a name for,” explained Manana.
He entrusted former Daily Dispatch sports reporter and current KickOff magazine editor Sibusiso Mjikeliso to write his life story.
“When it came to me writing the book it was about time for me to write what I like and what I want to write about in the game.
“It is a game that many thought in 1995 would be a great starting point when we won the World Cup, but there are so many divisions in the game, so many inequalities and also the hardship.
“The book will be an eye opener. It tells it as it is from the word go.
“There is some good stuff, there is some bad stuff, but also you see a guy who is determined to make the best out of the smallest of opportunity,” he said.
“I remember what the former Springbok captain and late Joost van der Westhuizen, while I was overseas, he said to me when I finally got into the match 23, he said grab that opportunity, don’t let go of it and I never did.
“That has transcended to me being opinionated in whatever is there on the table, just for one reason and that is the betterment of the game.”
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, who taught Manana at Gelvan Park Primary, wrote the foreword.
Coetzee wrote in the book: “Thando Manana is passionate about changing the system, and giving people opportunities and hope.
“Those who read this book will realise what it means to play for the Springboks.”
Manana, who is passionate about transforming the game, said rugby needs a voice of unity.
“The common goal here is opportunity must be given amongst all. It doesn’t matter the colour of your skin, but what is important is you know when all of you don that jersey, you play for one thing, to achieve the best results you can on the day. I have tried to show that in the book chronologically,” said the third black African to wear the Springbok jersey after the advent of unification in 1992.