Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi revealed that he played soccer during his school years.
The 34-year-old rugby star grew up in the Tsholomnqa village, where he played both soccer and rugby in his early years. Although he pursued a career in rugby, Mapimpi mentioned that he was a talented soccer player in his youth.
In an interview with Robert Marawa on 947, he shared that he used to kick with both feet but did not specify which position he played.
Makazole Mapimpi reveals he was a baller
“I used to play soccer though back in my village when Bush Bucks still existed. We didn’t have the facilities and all these things. I think every village, there’s always people playing soccer,” he said.
“I was quite good though, I could use both feet even now. Unfortuantely I gained weight and we didn’t have soccer in school so I decided to just focus on rugby.
“I could have became a better soccer player than a rugby player as I used to kick with both my feet. I did also kick when I played for the Border, club rugby but again it depends. I was too far from the system(soccer) than the rugby stuff. I’m glad that I decided to follow rugby,” he said.
Mapimpi has 32 Boks tries to his name
Since breaking into the Springbok squad in 2018, Makazole Mapimpi has been one of the team’s most consistent players. This past weekend, he dotted down twice in the Springboks’ 32-15 win at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
Will Mapimpi push until the 2027 World Cup?
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