A rugby player that embodies perseverance and willpower, Makazole Mapimpi’s journey to Springbok stardom is as inspirational a story as they come.
Full name Makazole Drex Mapimpi
Born July 26, 1990, Mdantsane
Place of birth Mdantsane Tsholomnqa, Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa
Current age 33 years (as of 2023)
Major teams Barbarians, Cheetahs, Emerging Springboks, Free State, Sharks, Southern Kings, South Africa
Position Winger
Height 1.84 m (6 ft 1⁄2 in)
Weight 91 kg (201 lb; 14 st 5 lb)
School Jim Mvabasa SS School, King William’s Town
Current team Sharks
Career
 | South Africa A Left Wing | 2017 – present |
 | Sharks Left Wing | 2017 – present |
 | Natal Sharks Left Wing | 2018 – present |
 | South Africa Left Wing | 2018 – present |
 | Jim Mvabaza Senior Secondary School Left Wing | 2009 – 2010 |
 | Border Bulldogs Left Wing | 2009 – 2016 |
 | Southern Kings Left Wing | 2017 – 2017 |
 | Cheetahs Left Wing | 2017 – 2017 |
 | Free State Cheetahs Left Wing | 2017 – 2017 |
 | Barbarians Left Wing | 2019 – 2019 |
 | NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka Left Wing | 2021 – 2021 |
Makazole Drex Mapimpi, born on 26 July 1990, is a South African professional rugby union player who has made his mark as a winger and centre. He represents the South Africa national team and the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. Mapimpi’s notable achievement came as a vital member of the Springboks’ victorious squad in the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan. In the final, he etched his name in history by becoming the first South African player to score a try in a World Cup Final.
Born and raised in Twecu, a rural area near East London, Mapimpi experienced a difficult upbringing. He lost his mother at a young age and had no knowledge of his father. Tragically, his brother and sister also passed away, leaving him without immediate family.
Makazole Mapimpi’s journey from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring rugby players and fans worldwide.