Makazole Mapimpi on top of the world
Boks wing has spent his life aiming for top spot
The pride of Border, now turned South African hero, Makazole Mapimpi, has been nominated for the prestigious SA Rugby Player of the Year award.
The 29-year-old Tsholomnqa-born Springbok World Cupwinning wing was named the Sharks’ 2019 player of the year earlier this month and now gets a nod towards the biggest rugby award the country has to offer.
The former Border Bulldogs star will be up against worldclass flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was named World Rugby Player of the Year in November, explosive winger Cheslin Kolbe, veteran No 8 Duane Vermeulen, and stalwart centre Damian de Allende.
Mapimpi, who heard about his nomination when contacted by the Dispatch, said he was over the moon and admitted that he had worked hard his entire life trying to achieve the unthinkable.
“This is the first time I have heard about this nomination for these important awards and I think it ’ s a great thing for me really.
“I’ve been working hard all my life trying to reach this level so I’m very happy I made the cut, because these guys I’m up against are good players,” said Mapimpi.
He was the first South African to score a try in a World Cup final when SA beat England in Japan to lift the Webb Ellis trophy in November.
He said that he did nothing out of the ordinary when he received the ball from Zwelitshaborn Lukhanyo Am, but those memories would stay with him for eternity.
“When you are inside the system it’s different because you don’t feel the same way the fans feel, when the team wins such an important game.
“And it’s going to take some time for it to sink in. The try I scored for the country was a first-ever in a World Cup final and thank you to Lukhanyo Am for finding me," he said.
“It’s really a big thing to most people but to me — I’ve been working for this since day one, and I am happy that it has happened.
“But obviously the good memories will keep flashing back when I’m watching games or just sitting alone.”
Mapimpi said he was thrilled that he was finally going to see his family in Nxarhuni after having been away since his inclusion in the Barbarians squad which played Fiji, Brazil and Wales after the Rugby World Cup.
He also confirmed he would be at the inaugural East London 10s tournament set to be staged at Grens High School on Saturday.
“I’m just going to spend the festive season with family because after the [Springboks victory] tour I went to play for the Barbarians team.
“So now I’m finally going home to be with my people.
“And I’ll be attending the East London 10s to support my boys who are hosting the event.”
I’m very happy I made the cut, because these guys I’m up against are good players