MAP1MP1, a Story of Hope and Belief, Inspires South Africans

MAP1MP1, a Story of Hope and Belief, Inspires South Africans

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:59 PM
  • South Africans have been inspired by the documentary film 'MAP1MP1', which is currently airing on SuperSport
  • The documentary details the inspiring story of Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi's rise to the top of world rugby from humble beginnings
  • Mapimpi is best known for scoring the first-ever try by the Springboks in a world cup final, doing so against England in 2019

From having to fashion a rugby ball out of plastic grocery bags as a child, to eventually lifting rugby's most coveted prize, the William Webb Ellis Cup in 2019, Makazole Mapimpi’s story is inspiring.

The documentary 'MAP1MP1' first aired on Sunday night on SuperSport and is narrated by award-winning, sports journalist Sibusiso Mjekeliso. It provides the viewer with a look into the unique dynamics of poverty, limited opportunities and the indomitable human spirit through the eyes of a South African hero.

map1mp1, makazole mapimpi, lukhanyo am, elliot fana, rugby world cup, japan, springboks, 2019, japan
Springbok rugby world cup winner Makazole Mapimpi celebrates glory with his winners' medal. Image source: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

As reported on SuperSport, Mapimpi became the first South African to score a try in a Rugby World Cup Final in 2019. He is the one player who stole the hearts and minds of South Africans after the country won the tournament because of the challenges he overcame to be the best in the game.

Moving between Mapimpi's village of Twecu to the big city lights of Port Elizabeth, the film also gives accounts of people who helped Mapimpi rise out of poverty to become one of the best rugby players in the world.

Unfortunately, one of the individuals, Elliot Fana, passed away in a car accident last week. Fana coached Mapimpi and his current Sharks and Bok teammate Lukhanyo Am at Border Bulldogs, where the duo put themselves on the sports radar.

The film also looks at how one moment - the try orchestrated by the centre and wing in the final against England - can inspire the forgotten boys and girls who are on the margins of society to rise above their circumstances.

Coach: Springbok flyer Makazole Mapimpi is the best number 11 in world Rugby after Hat-trick against Lions

Springboks and Cell C Sharks left wing Makazole Mapimpi was once again the toast of town after his impressive showing in the United Rugby Championship.

As reported on Sports Brief, Sharks coach Sean Everitt believes that Mapimpi, scorer of a famous try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, was the best player in the world in his position.

He also gave the same glowing praise to Mapimpi's Sharks and Bok teammate Lukhanyo Am at outside centre.

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Keba Mothoagae
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