A steady partnership in the lock department has formed at the Leopards this Currie Cup season with the towering Malembe Mpofu and Vincent Maruping taking charge.
Mpofu, in the number four jersey, and Maruping in the number five with his prominent red scrum cap, have been key assets for the Leopards at the line-out, scrum, ruck time and open play.
Their work rate has been impressive with Mpofu and Maruping both showcasing an aggressive and die-hard attitude.
Mpofu has played a couple of seasons for the NWU in the Varsity Cup, while Maruping joined the Leopards last year, after spending a few seasons at the Griffons. Mpofu and Maruping got involved in rugby in vastly different ways, though – Maruping from an early age in primary school and Mpofu only getting his first taste in his matric year.
“A friend invited me to try it and, from there, I was in love. I realised that I wanted to play professionally when I was in high school when I received a bursary from HTS Louis Botha. I later got a bursary to play for CUT in the Varsity Shield,” said Maruping.
“My love for rugby only started at the end of my matric year. I played hockey beforehand and got a bursary for rugby at UJ. Throughout my university career at UJ, I played rugby because I enjoyed the social aspect. When I moved to the NWU, I realised I could make a career out of rugby,” emphasised Mpofu, who has gone through a rapid rise in the past two years.
The Leopards have been on top of their game this season, ending on top of the log after six matches and heading into a semi-final this coming Friday. Both locks agree that the highlight and turning point this season was their home victory against the Griffons. “For me, the highlight of this season was the win against the Griffons because they were seen as an unbeatable team,” says Maruping.
“It was certainly one of of the most physically- and mentally taxing games. That match gave me a gauge to where I am as a player and where the Leopards are,” added Mpofu.
“We have a diehard attitude and we play for each other. The main goal was to be on top of the log, but we first look at each game as it comes,” emphasises Maruping.
“We see each other as more than teammates and more like a brotherhood. We engage on and off the field and that makes us a solid unit,” adds his lock partner, Mpofu.
Rugby is a physical game and these two locks make sure their presence is felt on every metre of the field. Making a big hit and seeing their opposite number tasting dirt is something both these locks quite enjoy.
“What I enjoy most about playing lock is hitting the rucks and seeing the opponent rolling out on the other side,” says Maruping.
“What I enjoy most is the physical stuff, hitting the rucks, big tackles and putting my body on the line. Being able to put your opposite number in pain at every given opportunity is what I enjoy,” explains Mpofu.
The 27-year-old Maruping also has a brother, Victor, who plays flanker for the Leopards. According to Maruping, there is always a healthy compe- tition between the two during a game. “We have a little fun competition going between us as to who makes the most tackles in a game,” he chuckles.
This talented lock still harbours dreams of representing the Springboks at the highest level and with continued good performances this might just become reality in the future.
Mpofu’s career trajectory will be heading north after this season at the Leopards; he recently signed a contract with the Pumas in Mbombela. This is something the talented lock looks forward to.
“Honestly, the NWU and Leopards have helped me to up my physical game and, as a lock, those are the most important attributes. It adds to what I must already take on my next journey at the Pumas. There’s more to it than just the rugby on the field. The relationships I’ve built with teammates, coaches and people are the best part of rugby.”
