Beast's pearls of wisdom: 'The worst moments are the best moments'
Springbok World Cup legends Cheslin Kolbe and Tendai Mtawarira were on hand to welcome the latest recruits to the Roc Nation family and shower them with some pearls of wisdom.
Two of South Africa’s most talented youngsters, Luyolo Doyi and Zukisani Tom, was unveiled as the new members of Roc Nation Sports International.
Tom hails from the Eastern Cape, where he went to Grey High – the same school attended by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi – and featured for EP at two Craven Week tournaments.
The talented and versatile 20-year-old – who can play at flank or on the wing – was recently snapped up by French club Racing 92, where Kolisi plies his trade as well.
Doyi is also recognised as one of the brightest young prospects on the South African scene, having made a name for himself at Hoërskool Overkruin, earning Craven Week selection in 2022 and 2023.
The 18-year-old utility back captained the Blue Bulls Sevens team in 2022, and has now set his sights on progressing as rapidly as possible into the senior set-up at the Pretoria-based franchise.
Mtawarira, 38, touched on some of the most important lessons that he learned during his career that spanned more than a decade.
South Africa’s most capped prop forward – starting in 102 of his 117 Tests, also shared tips on how best to prepare for life after rugby.
Mtawarira, affectionately known as Beast, said every incident – good or bad – helped shape him to be the man he is today and achieve all the great successes.
(WATCH as Tendai Mtawarira shares some pearls of wisdom with the latest recruits to the Roc Nation Sports International family…)
“There is nothing I would change,” he told the two youngsters.
“Everything played out the way it was supposed to play out.
“There were a lot of life lessons, a lot of challenges and disappointments.
“However, they all helped shape me.
“I would not have been part of the 2019 World Cup-winning team if I wasn’t part of the loss to Japan [in 2015].
“The worst moments were the best moments.
“Certain life lessons make you a better person.”
He also told the young players that they need to start planning for life after rugby and described the playing period as a “season’ that will pass.
He used Patrick Lambie as an example of how a rugby incident can end a player’s career and therefore it is vital to plan.
Kolbe told the players to speak to and lean on the senior players to help them grow.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
