SINCE making his Cell C Sharks debut in 2007, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira has become a firm fan favourite at Jonsson Kings Park. The familiar cries of ‘Beasttttt’ ring around the stadium everytime the forward touches the rugby ball, the cheer is testament to Mtwarira’s passion for the game and his determination to make his team proud.
The 33-year-old is currently the Sharks most capped Super Rugby player playing more than 150 games for the Durban based franchise and this year is set to carve out another slice of history.
In what could be his last Super Rugby season, Mtawarira needs just five more games to overtake Adriaan Strauss’ record of 156 caps to become the most capped South African player in Super Rugby history.
To honour the legend, the Sharks have dedicated their away jersey to Mtawarira. The traditional black and white colour the Sharks are famous are on the jersey with a hashtag #144 significantly placed as Mtawarira is the 144th player to have represented the Sharks.
Chatting to Northglen News, Mtawarira said he wanted to end this season on a high by helping the team win a Super Rugby title.
Sharks COO, Eduard Coetzee, said Mtawarira has been a role model for rugby players across the country.
“Beast’s contribution to The Sharks cannot only be limited to the field of play, but also the role he’s played off it. He has been a role-model and mentor for numerous young props/players who have come through the system and who were able to learn so much from him, both as a player and human being. We are delighted that we can honour him in our 2019 Vodacom Super Rugby away jersey design.”
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