Humble Beast has done SA proud

Tendai Mtawarira looked anything but the “Beast” of his nickname as he posed for photographs after the end of the second Test against England in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.

Wearing his commemorative golden Springbok cap to commemorate his 100th appearance for the national side, Beast was at the same time a proud sportsman, but also a committed family man as he stood with his wife, Kuziva, son, Wangu, and daughter, Talumba.

That moment summed up Beast’s humble nature – a nature belying his powerful physical presence and never-say-die commitment on the rugby field.

His career wasn’t all plain-sailing, because he had to cope with awful sniping about his nationality (he was born in Zimbabwe) and the inevitable racist carping that has been the lot of many a black player in the green and gold.

Class will always prevail, though, and Mtawarira quickly won a place in the hearts of South African rugby fans. When he touches the ball in any match in this country, the roar of “Beast” goes up around the stadium. It happens often overseas, too – testament to his international fame.

Beast, we wish you well for the rest of your career and in whatever you do afterwards.

You have done us proud.

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