Mapimpi revisited: The hero that emerged from hopelessness
It is a story that has been told before and even ended in a documentary.
However, the poignant story of Makazole Mapimpi has been revisited just 50 days out from the start of the 2023 World Cup in France.
Tendai Mtawarira - in the first episode of the official World Cup 2023 podcast - shares the melancholy of the Mapimpi anecdote with fellow internationals Ugo Monye and George Gregan.
The trio join host Gethin Jones to discuss their individual World Cup history, as well as look ahead to all of the action to come in France this year.
A rugby player that embodies perseverance and willpower, Makazole Mapimpi's journey to Springbok stardom is as inspirational a story as they come.
The modest wing grew up and was housed in Tsholomnqa village, a rural area in Mdantsane, East London. Unlike many of his Springbok counterparts, he didn't attend any major rugby school and was in no position to be scouted for his ability.
Makazole Mapimpi came from, quite possibly, the harshest personal conditions any Springbok has had to endure in order to succeed. He was raised by his grandmother as his mother, brother, and sister had all tragically passed on by the time he was a household name.
The Springbok player who hails from 'the most hopeless situation' continues to bring hope to millions around the country.
At the ripe old rugby age of 32, Mapimpi is set to write another chapter in his storied history in #France2023.
Mapimpi is the first player in the history of Springboks to score a try in a World Cup Final.
The previous Springbok World Cup wins were without tries.
* To read more about Mapimpi, see his bio HERE!
* (Watch The Beast share the Mapimpi story ... courtesy of @WorldRugby)
There are similarities between Siyamthanda Kolisi's and Mapimpi's stories, but there are also significant differences.
From a young age, he witnessed horrors – such as gender-based violence – that he would never forget.
Although he had talent and was encouraged by teammates and coaches to push for higher honours, he couldn't envisage a career at the top.
The 2019 Springbok jersey was designed to allow players to have images (be it fans or family members) inserted as a collage onto the number on their back.
The 32-year-old Mapimpi, who lost his mother, older brother and sister before he came into prominence as a rugby player, told his coach that he didn't have anyone's picture to emblazon on there.
"He doesn't play for one thing. He's just got a massive heart."
* Source: World Cup 2023 podcast