“Reason I’m Here”: Mapimpi Opens Up On Late Mother’s Legacy And Fashion Roots
Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi has revealed that his passion for fashion was inspired by his late mother, admitting it remains painful that she never lived to see him become South Africa’s first-ever Rugby World Cup final try-scorer.
Mapimpi’s mother passed away when he was roughly 14 years old. While the veteran back avoids dwelling constantly on what could have been, he acknowledges that memories of her still surface during quiet moments.
Beyond his reputation as one of South Africa’s most lethal finished-product wingers, Mapimpi has established himself off the pitch as a style enthusiast—a passion rooted directly in his childhood home.
“Fashion has always been there for me,” Mapimpi said.
“The funny part is that my mother used to design; she was the one truly into fashion. Through conversations with my aunt, I learned more about her work as a designer. I think I took that from her.”
On navigating his rise to international stardom without his mother present, Mapimpi reflected candidly on the emotional toll.
“I don’t think about it too much, but I do when I’m alone and reflecting on where I came from,” Mapimpi said.
“Memories just come flooding back: ‘I’m here now, alone.’ It’s a feeling that visits me just like anyone else who has lost someone. Of course, you wonder what it would be like if she were still alive, but things happen in this world. Ultimately, I believe I am where I am today because of her.”
That resilience has defined Mapimpi’s career, which reached a historic peak during the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama. Following try-less final victories for the Boks in 1995 and 2007, Mapimpi etched his name into the record books after gathering a crisp flick-pass from close friend Lukhanyo Am to dot down against England.
Mapimpi would go on to collect a second World Cup winner’s medal in 2023, despite a severe cheekbone fracture against Tonga in France.
Now, as one of the elder statesmen at the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Mapimpi faces a different kind of transition off the field.
The Durban franchise is undergoing a major squad overhaul, highlighted by the departure of Bok captain and close friend Siya Kolisi to the DHL Stormers, alongside key departures including Lukhanyo Am (Japan), Aphelele Fassi, and Grant Williams.
Despite the roster turnover, Mapimpi remains pragmatic about the shifting landscape in Durban.
“I started playing rugby without those guys,” Mapimpi noted.
“We have to accept that we move through different chapters in life. We meet people as teammates and create great memories together.
“It’s no different when you play for the Springboks, and someone isn’t selected—you still hold onto the memories. It’s hard and painful when guys leave after playing together for nearly nine or 10 years, but I’ve experienced it before in Japan as well. I’m sure those guys felt the same way when I left.”
