Springbok veteran hits top form, defies retirement talk
Springbok veteran Makazole Mapimpi is quite literally showing no signs of slowing down, forcing a rethink on his career longevity.
Although double World Cup winner Makazole Mapimpi is still in great shape, even he recently admitted that it’s highly unlikely he would make it through to the next World Cup.
With this in mind, an understandable feeling was that the 34-year-old would begin to move more into a back up role this season and perhaps start to be phased out to some extent as younger players take over.
However, if recent form is anything to go by, there may need to be a rethink in that regard.
At a time when the Sharks continue to blow hot and cold, Mapimpi has been a standout performer, with the wing looking as fit, fast and highly motivated as ever.
Although he will turn 35 in July, the veteran wing doesn’t look like slowing down, and there is no doubt that he does boast a unique physical profile with his natural genetic conditioning and strength.
Just this past weekend, you can see an example of his electric pace here as he set up a stunning try for the Sharks in the URC.
Makazole Mapimpi might force a Springbok rethink once again
If Mapimpi – through sheer weight of his consistent performances – does end up extending his Springbok career, it wouldn’t be the first time he has forced a change in perception.
In the latest episode on his Rassie+ podcast, coach Rassie Erasmus actually admitted to the mistake of nearly writing off Mapimpi prematurely at the start of his career.
“We gave Mapimpi a chance… I remember Mapimpi caught the ball then rolled over himself, he had two knock-ons in a row but he stayed on the field.
“We came into the room and we analysed, and Mapimpi never spoke. I don’t know if he could speak English (very well) in those days, but I was willing to write him off. And we now know what Mapimpi eventually became. I sat in that meeting and said ‘no, I don’t trust this guy’.”
However, at the time Mapimpi was actually battling with a knee injury, and after a bit of guidance from assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, Erasmus realised his mistake.
“I first had to get it wrong and say, ‘I don’t trust this guy; he doesn’t talk’… just says ‘my knee, my knee, my knee’,” said Erasmus.
“If you (Stick) didn’t help me out there and talk with me about the guy, Mapimpi might not be the Mapimpi that he is today. Just one little miscommunication.”
As it stands, Makazole Mapimpi is third on the all-time Springbok try scorers list with 32, just six away from second-placed Joost van der Westhuizen.
DO YOU THINK THE VETERAN WING STILL HAS A BIG ROLE TO PLAY?
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