Springbok rugby sensation Makazole Mapimpi, along with local beverage producer Twizza, revived hope and became inspirations to Maria Louw High School pupils when a donation of sporting equipment worth tens of thousands of Rand was made yesterday.
The school was a hive of activity on Friday, 15 October as pupils wanted to take pictures with the soft spoken Springbok winger. He said it was important for young sports players to also focus on schooling.
“Don’t only focus on sport but also study hard as there are many disappointments in sport. But still, if you believe you can do it, go for it. Be committed and know that cameras will come here one day and you will be spotted,” he said.
The Twizza brand ambassador said he was honoured to be part of such a huge programme that will give hope to youngsters, adding that sport also taught people discipline.
Mapimpi said his love for the sport has always been a motivating factor for him to always try his best. He said his poor background had also played a part in him giving his best.
The sports equipment donated included match balls, whistles, cones, bibs, resistance bands, tackle shields, practice balls and ball bags, amongst other items. It is worth R25 000.
School principal Sandile Mata, a known sports administrator in the province, was ecstatic and appreciated the gesture by Twizza and Mapimpi.
“We are grateful to Twizza and Mapimpi for this donation. It will definitely revive sport in the school and we plan to go back to the Wednesday afternoon sporting features. We had been lacking proper sporting facilities but this donation will change that,” Mata said.
He added that sport played a huge role in helping pupils excel in class and learn disciple, features that can also be used even outside the field of play.
Mapimpi took some time to do a coaching clinic, which included tackling and passing skills.
“On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank Twizza and brand ambassador Makazole Mapimpi for this donation. We are very excited as it will go a long way in igniting the interest of our learners and coaches to participate and enjoy rugby, netball and other such sports. Sport certainly contributes positively to the pupils’ lives – in so many ways, on the field and off,” Mata said.
Twizza Group Marketing Manager, Lance Coertzen, said the company had not forgotten its humble beginnings in Komani.
“Today was not solely about the equipment donation, but also about hope, aspiration, determination and belief. Makazole lights up the room and is the epitome of making dreams come true. He is an inspiration, not only to the Eastern Cape local learners, but to our country as a whole,” he said.
