Mapimpi wins deserved honour

THE Sharks have had their travails of late in the United Rugby Championship but there was solace for them yesterday when their wing Makazole Mapimpi was named the country's URC Player of the Month for January 2022.

Mapimpi was easily singled out by a panel of South African media because of his exploits in two matches in January, scoring four tries for his team, including a hattrick against the Lions in his team's 47-37 victory in Johannesburg, and he was also credited with one try assist for his teammate Lukhanyo Am.

Mapimpi also had six clean breaks; gained 108m; made 10 tackles; and most impressively, won five turnovers during the month. His work rate and “anticipation and creativity on attack and his tenacity on defence – whether through his tackling or claiming the high ball”, were also singled out by the panel.

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has claimed that Mapimpi is arguably the best left wing in the world, and few in South Africa would quibble after his recent performances.

It is the mark of Mapimpi's class that he has transferred his impeccable form in the Springbok jersey onto the provincial stage when so many international players don't seem overly interested in playing for their provinces.

“Makazole Mapimpi has underlined his standing as one of the premier wings in world rugby,” the statement revealing his award read.

“His ability to combine with Lukhanyo Am in particular gives the Sharks a different dynamic with ballin-hand. It's not hard to see why he is regarded as one the best finishers in world rugby at the moment.

"Mapimpi is at the top of his game. He's world class and in a league of his own.”

Mapimpi will be in action again this weekend when the Sharks take on the Bulls at Loftus Versveld (kick-off 5pm) on Saturday in a URC clash.