Durban journo pens fascinating book about Springbok players

THE book, The Fireside Springbok, written by sports journalist Mike Greenaway, is a must-read for any sports lover.

The Hillcrest resident has toured the world with the Springboks as well as the Sharks. The book is filled with the personal stories of players.

From a year of research and another year of penning the book, the author has provided stories in this well-illustrated book which begins in the 1890s and covers every era of Springbok history right up until the present day.

The book was launched a week before the Boks travelled to France for the 2023 World Cup.

Also read: Fun Q & A with the Springboks

Greenaway said he started writing the book during the Covid-19 Pandemic as it was his 25th anniversary as a sports journalist.

The SuperSport analyst, Andy Capostagno, gave the book a 10 out of 10 rating on his book review show on SuperSport.

The first book he wrote was Captain in the Cauldron. In this book, the longest-serving captain in Springbok rugby history gives a revealing account of the simultaneous joys and travails of one of the most challenging – and rewarding – jobs in sport.

Speaking to the Highway Mail, Greenaway said the book is not just a collection of the stories he wrote in the past but is also a collection of interesting stories of players who have done something spectacular.

One of the stories in the book is about Bill Payne who ran the Comrades in his rugby boots and then went on to play a game of rugby the next day.

“I also included a story about Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira who arrived in South Africa with just one bag and his dreams. The Beast is one of the most iconic players to have ever represented South Africa and the Springboks.

“For me, his story is a true reflection that anything is possible if you work hard enough,” said Greenaway.

The book is fascinating and appeals to everyone, not just rugby fans, as there are fascinating stories about the players.

“People can learn many things they did not know – one of my other favourites is a story about Andy Macdonald who gained fame while farming in Zambia when he killed a lion with his bare hands.”

Also read: Springboks hail local artist’s World Cup tribute

Greenaway played rugby in high school and at the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club.

“I studied journalism, and it just so happened that the first job I got was as a sports journalist, and I have been doing it for almost three decades now,” he said.

The writer has explored the world as he said he has been to 25 Springbok tours. “I have seen the world. I have travelled with [the Springboks] to Australia, London, the United Kingdom, Paris and New Zealand,” he said.

The book is available in all major bookshops or contact Mike on 083 447 0741 for signed copies.

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