Residents of Tsholomnqa, a village outside East London, are excited by the performance displayed by Makazole Mapimpi, during the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Many of them say they can’t wait to cheer the World Champion Boks when they visit the area on Saturday.
Mapimpi, who hails from the area, was the first South African to score a try in a World Cup Final.
He’s become an inspiration to locals in the Eastern Cape.
Mapimpi made it to the Springbok team despite not going to traditional rugby playing schools.
Residents say he is proof that one’s background does not determine one’s future. “I know how Makazole was brought up, it was difficult and tough like me.”
Another says, “This has brought hope to the village because this is not a big village, it is very small but Makazole has put it on the map.”
