Iconic Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira has, for the first time, added his voice to the ongoing public debate over his status as an international player.
rugby365
Recent media reports suggested the Bok and Sharks star, affectionately known as the Beast around the world, faces possible deportation to Zimbabwe instead of another Bok cap.
Butana Komphela, the controversial chairman of National Assembly sports committee, again slammed the South African Rugby Union for fielding an ‘illegal’ player in Mtawarira and said only “bona fide” people should represent South Africa in its national teams – not foreign players.
Mtawarira, speaking about the war of words between the South African Rugby Union and the Sports Ministry over his eligibility to represent the country, said the Green and Gold of the Springboks are flowing through his veins.
“I am a South African at heart,” he told the Sunday Independent.
“I love this country. It has become my home. It is everything to me.”
Mtawarira, 25, has been living in Durban for six years since accepting a bursary from the Sharks Academy. He was spotted when his Zimbabwean school, Peterhouse, toured KZN.
“Wearing the green and gold of the Springboks is a huge honour for me,” he told the Independent.
“That jersey is part of me. The green and gold flows in my blood. I feel just as much pride as any other guy in the team.”
Mtawarira and his Zimbabwean-born girlfriend, Kuziva, are to marry later this year and will set up home in Durban.
“We would not think of living anywhere else. We love everything about Durban, the weather, the people, the beach and, of course, The Sharks. We want to grow as a family here.”
He is grateful for the opportunities that rugby has given him.
“I want to put my body on the line for South Africa when I play,” he says.
“I hold nothing back. I give it my all. This country has been amazing to me and that makes me want to work harder.
“So many people have embraced me and it is humbling to know that they are behind me, supporting me all the way.”
His younger brother, Ray, is now also at the Sharks Academy.
He is a promising flank, as tall as his brother, but not as broad. Mtawarira is 1.87m tall and weighs 117kg, with a low body fat percentage.
January 17th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
We love everything about Durban, the weather, the people, the beach and, of course, The Sharks.
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Hmmmm. Add bad taste to all
his attributes.
January 17th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Ja-ja,
give the pinkie…
January 17th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Well said Tendai, great stuff coming from a guy who has had to put up with so much political interference lately. Spoken like a true professional – now if the Sports Ministry had some guys with your intelligence we could get places. Sigh!
January 18th, 2010 at 10:19 am
The hypocrisy of life in SA!
Why is there not a single program to assist African players to play their trade in SA?
Fucks sake the Kenyans beat SA and NZ sevens in one season and not a single Kenyan is approached?
Logic suggests that if you can beat those teams you must have at least 3 players of amasing ability and skill in your team.
Always had the notion that black south africans also suffer froma misplaced superiority complex.
Yes if Beast is illegal then it needs to be addressed but can Khompela have at least a littel bit of sensitivty to the plight of africa in this regard?