Mujati’s tight fit
4 Jun 2008
From Zimbabwean schoolboy to Bok prop – Brian Mujati must be pinching himself.
There’s no disputing that he was the form South African tighthead in the Super 14, although Mujati would disagree that he was so integral to his team. He points to the other seven blokes around him at the Stormers, not to mention the other seven behind the pack and the seven on the bench.
‘Sure, I have improved, but it’s a work in progress,’ he says. He doesn’t quite come out with the ‘aw, shucks’ routine, but he’s not
far off.
Though at 24 he is still very young for a tighthead, Mujati’s path to Stormers’ anchorman has been somewhat zigzag.
There was no stellar but steady rise from prominent South African rugby-playing school via Craven Week to age-group representation. Instead, there was the prominent Zimbabwe rugby-playing school (Peterhouse), Zim Craven Week … and then the lean times.
Mujati left Zimbabwe after matriculating in 2002, determined to make a career out of rugby.
‘It was during Craven Week that I realised I wasn’t too shabby as a player,’ he says. ‘I held my own against some powerful South Africans in the set phases even though as a team we were getting caned. I was lucky going to Peterhouse, though, as it has a long and traditional rugby-playing history. Coaching is still quite established there, so I had a good foundation. But after school …’ his voice trails off. ‘I can’t speak for others, but growing up in Zim you don’t think of playing there. I knew I had to come to SA.’
Mujati duly got to Johannesburg on a student visa and debuted for the Lions U21s. He played a few Vodacom Cup games, then a couple in the Currie Cup. Last year he graduated to the Super 14 side following a spate of injuries, and he played the entire season. He had been given a gap and he grabbed it. It should have been a dream year careerwise, but it ended in acrimony when he was accused of jumping ship during the Currie Cup. He disputes this, saying his student visa had expired, which made his contract null and void. The resentment from Ellis Park still simmers, however, and there was much talk at the beginning of the season of lawyers and courts.
His signing with the Stormers this year only increased the rumblings from Gauteng. ‘Look, I didn’t feel valued at the Lions,’ he says. ‘There wasn’t any major blowout – more like a series of little incidents. Nothing racial, if that’s what people are thinking. I just didn’t fit into their set-up, that’s all.’
He has very much fitted into the set-up in the Mother City. ‘I like Cape Town. I like the people and the lifestyle. I like the Stormers’ organisation and I like Rassie [Erasmus, the head coach]. I like the way he coaches. He’s very chilled.’
Tighthead is renowned as the most demanding position in rugby, but Mujati seems to have taken to it like a natural.
‘I’ve been lucky that I’ve only played prop my whole life,’ he says. ‘A lot of guys started out playing flank or hooker and then moved to prop, but for me it was only about tighthead. From the first I’ve loved the grunt and groan of the position. The scrumming, the mauling, the one-on-one with the opposition loosehead – that’s what gets me going. No-one sees that in the crowd, but I dig it.’
South African rugby digs it too.
By Patrick Farrell
This article first appeared in the June issue of SA Rugby magazine.
571 Comments
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4 Jun 2008, 14:12 pm
#242 pauld: ja pauld, thought i would get a bite outta that one. all tongue in cheek mate.
4 Jun 2008, 14:13 pm
eish that was fun while it lasted
now lunch time is over
now back to work for me
ciao girlshark hun tc and greetings to hubby
ciao tighthead keep the fort going lol
4 Jun 2008, 14:13 pm
#247 sharks_lover: Getting personal? Aren’t you the one who told me to go and “screw myself” because I made a joke about one of your posts. You’re irrational, like a small child.
4 Jun 2008, 14:14 pm
#248 sharks_lover: Typical Natal comment. Get a life you insecure oversensitive jerk. Call the Samaritans , they might be able to help you. Or Crisis Line. 10101010. Thats won nothing won nonthing ……………
4 Jun 2008, 14:15 pm
#243 sharks_lover: thats him, andy aitken. of course there was joel stransky, **** muir and a host of others “hired” by province. its a subject thats been done ad nauseum.
natal is a glorious place, with a great rugby culture. its just laid back n’all!
4 Jun 2008, 14:15 pm
I am off to the pub now and will order a large brandy and coke as all good dutchmen do Sharks_lover. You take another sip of your Ijuba
4 Jun 2008, 14:16 pm
#174 flanka:
Flanka, you Schalla you.
4 Jun 2008, 14:16 pm
#252 sharks_lover: Do your posts on Word and use the spellcheck fascility! Then we can all understand what you are on about.
4 Jun 2008, 14:18 pm
#254 pauld: nothing “typical” about natal! stop brawling guys, its bok time (until natal takes province apart first cc game of course!).
4 Jun 2008, 14:19 pm
#256 pauld: pauld you ******** you! dont drink too many “moer-my-vrou-wyne”!
4 Jun 2008, 14:22 pm
I am a Bulls fan living in Durbs ‘n all and let me tell those of you who do not know it – Natal is awsome!!
I played Durban CC on sunday and had to look for shade at around 15:00 the afternoon because it was a bit hot – on 1 June! I have been living here for a few years and I will never move to any other place in SA. Finish en klaar!
4 Jun 2008, 14:26 pm
What’s all this Mujati business? Form front row my backside…..where’s the BEAST ?????
4 Jun 2008, 14:26 pm
#261 Kerneels: too true kerneels. and kings park is an awesome place to watch rugby eh?
in all my time going there, nasty incidents have been few and far between. great vibe, great view, good people.
4 Jun 2008, 14:27 pm
#262 ansie: ansie, they play diff positions. mujati is a tighthead, beast a looshead. beast will get his shot.
4 Jun 2008, 14:30 pm
#215 the peanut gallery: LMAO!!!!!
….I met Louis Koen after a practice session once
4 Jun 2008, 14:32 pm
#252 sharks_lover: Cheers! and please send my hellos to your wife as well! Tell her I am trying to muster my courage to have that famous tatoo (like hers) done, but I am still poop scared!
4 Jun 2008, 14:38 pm
i will do M hun tc and hey it isnt that bad
remember a sharks tattoo is a very valuable commity specially on a decent lady like urself
the strongest front row in SA would be (heinke , smit , bj )
rangerman mate have a good one , dont let sonme of them clowns in here influence you
they have short memories and are so one eyed its scary
4 Jun 2008, 14:39 pm
#263 rangerman: The wife and I are coming to durban next month to see what all the fuss is about. We`re flying up and then we`re gonna do a roadtrip down the coast back to cape town, stopping wherever takes our fancy.
4 Jun 2008, 14:41 pm
#254 pauld: and how is that a typical Natal comment? Actually tell me what IS a typical Natal comment? And that shot about Ijuba a bit out of line isn’t it?
4 Jun 2008, 14:46 pm
#268 sondebok: sounds awesome sondebok! my boet did it the other way round a few months ago. his pommie bird LOVES cape town. then again, what has she got to compare it to?
try stay in the northern part of durbs. defo catch a game at kings park if you can. the beaches are glorious at that time of year and though the water is a little cooler than normal, its still 20 degrees warmer than anything you are used to.
if you are up for a beer around then, let me know.
4 Jun 2008, 14:46 pm
#247 sharks_lover: talk about getting personal.
4 Jun 2008, 14:50 pm
sondebok you will have a good time mate
if you go with an open mind to have a good time you will
road trip down the coast back to cape town is awesome
4 Jun 2008, 14:51 pm
grond boontjie look who started right at the beginning before you start with assuming things
but then again its comming from the peanut gallery right ?? lmao
4 Jun 2008, 14:54 pm
#270 rangerman: We`ll stay with my gran, she lives in that area close to the sharks board up on the hill behind umhlanga. I haven`t been to durbs since in about 15 years.
4 Jun 2008, 14:57 pm
ps. the wife has never been to durban in her life. I also need you Durbanites to recommend the best curry den if you don`t mind.
4 Jun 2008, 14:58 pm
#274 sondebok: Prestondale is that suburb’s name – I stayed there until recently. Be sure to pop into Indian Summer when you are there (about four km down Umhlanga Rocks Drive) for a taste of the local fare…just don’t order it hot!
4 Jun 2008, 15:00 pm
#23 Muck: Piss off you muckraker you
4 Jun 2008, 15:02 pm
#30 tight head: And how does one get experience if you never get to play? I think PdV wants to see what Mujati van bring to the party and better against Wales (who don’t have the strongest scrummagers) than the Kiwis.
4 Jun 2008, 15:06 pm
All those saying Heinke is the best loosehead in SA…in the scrum probably yes but a modern prop (especially under the ELVs) needs to do more than just scrum and Heinke prowess in the loose has not impressed. Far rather have Beast and Guthro for now but if Heinke ups his workrate in the loose he will be a Bok sooner rather than later.
4 Jun 2008, 15:12 pm
#274 sondebok: mate, now we will have to go for a drink! i live about 800m from your grans place.
there is a great curry den in umhlanga called Kashmir. really good food and you can drink indian beers like kingfisher there.
4 Jun 2008, 15:14 pm
#273 sharks_lover: actually seeing as you’re asking – you started at #108.
4 Jun 2008, 15:17 pm
#278 squonkmonk:
Firstly who says Wales do not have strong scrummagers?
Don’t answer.
We will see on Saturday.
Secondly you play every test to win with your best 15 available.
The best teams the world has ever seen, have played many games together with little change to the team sheet.
You play your first choice prop and your second choice plays if there is an injury, or if you are well up and want to blood number 2.
If he is good enough, his time will come.
You cannot substitute experience in the front row.
Lastly your best prop is your best scrummager.
That is his primary job, and dominating the scrums in tests is vital.
You do not pick props because they are good runners, you pick them because they are the best scrummagers, and if they are good runners after that then that is excellent.
You would not pick a wing who was not very fast, but was good at the breakdown.
Or would you?
4 Jun 2008, 15:24 pm
#280 rangerman: Deal!
4 Jun 2008, 15:27 pm
#283 sondebok: ok mate, itinerary is a beer at the pub in the village (seriously vibey little place) and then dinner at kashmir.
in the morning the fire will subside sometime and you can always cool it off in the sea lol!
4 Jun 2008, 15:29 pm
peanut gallery uhm selective reading ??
check 107 and the sarcasm ??? also this person has started before so if you can read??? youll understand the way he made his remark its not the first time ??
so please before getting involved when you dont know all the facts , please refrain as it is not warrented
4 Jun 2008, 15:32 pm
or need i say i spoke to the doctor not the disease ???
tighthead mate they dont get the basics of the game at all
first rule is make sure you dominate scrums and lineouts , and of course dominate the loose
you cant do that if you are weak in scrums and lineouts
ask the sharks team about line out loss????????????????????????????
yes we understand clearly why john smit is the best hooker and why matfield is so important in the lineouts
4 Jun 2008, 15:35 pm
#284 rangerman: Sounds like fun! I`ll give you a shout closer to the time with dates.
4 Jun 2008, 15:37 pm
#285 sharks_lover: i read 107. from sarcasm, to go screw urself, to insulting afrikaans speakers (#247).
uncalled for
4 Jun 2008, 15:38 pm
#286 sharks_lover:
Maybe Keo will send me a holiday to get away for a while!!
4 Jun 2008, 15:38 pm
#285 sharks_lover: Thanks for pointing us back there. Reminds me that I wanted to ask you what this means:
“you have know it alls on here that 99% chance have never played rugby”
You claim you’re not a dutchie so we must excuse your kak Afrikaans. But what can we blame for that?
4 Jun 2008, 15:39 pm
yeah isit on clearly gallery
and you have no clue of the history before today from the same people
as i asked nicely before , dont interfere when you dont know all the facts
ok????
4 Jun 2008, 15:41 pm
#282 tight head: If you are a great player you do not need experience (Os/Carl Hayman etc) average players bloom later and need experience
4 Jun 2008, 15:42 pm
#282 tight head: You misunderstand me…I would never pick a prop who wasn’t a good scrummager just because he looks good with ball in hand. But I would rather have a prop who is a good scrummager and good in the loose than a prop who scrums the **** out of opponents and does nothing else.
Also, one must keep in mind this weird country we live in where colour is so important to some. Having props like Beast and Brian (who are damn good if inexperienced) must make PdV smile when he thinks of all the political ****. Whether we agree with the PC stuff or not, it’s here to stay for the forseeable future. Far rather Beast or Brian than Steady Eddie!
As for Wales and the scrum…from what I saw in the WC and the 6N the Welsh scrum is nothing to have sleepless nights over. They will not be pushovers but not quite the same as facing a Hayman or Sheridan. If PdV wants to see what his other props offer, rather now so he knows that Brian/Beast/whomever can be called if BJ/Guthro are injured come 3N time.
4 Jun 2008, 15:42 pm
lol tighthead hope its a good holliday lol
katman seriously not in the mood to chit chat with you all day
i recall not having spoken to you or about you till you butted in ???
just as i am asking the gallery to stay out of it
ok???
ill still to talking to those who actually do know what they talk about
4 Jun 2008, 15:45 pm
katman infact its easy i dont feel like talking to you ?? right
and the reverse is true right ??/ so ignore what i am saying to others and ill refrain from reading what you have to say , its that easy
its called freedom of speech and its my right to ignore you if i so wish ??
AND I SO WISH !!!! NOW BYE BYE
4 Jun 2008, 15:48 pm
#292 JL1:
Sorry mate, but that is nonsense.
Os walked off a rugby field once because he had enough.
He will tell you that his scrumming was weak for a long time and he had to work very hard to get it right and mature.
Every prop has a journey of learning and maturing, no matter who he is.
4 Jun 2008, 15:48 pm
#295 sharks_lover: At least show respect when talking about other people’s language
4 Jun 2008, 15:49 pm
#291 sharks_lover: And what the **** is this: “yeah isit on clearly gallery”
Post in decent English. No one knows what you’re on about, except that it must be something dim. I can’t even get properly upset with you because your posts are the written equivalent of a stuttering Mongolian halfwit with a lisp.
4 Jun 2008, 15:50 pm
sqonkmonk although i get your point and listen i am a sharks fan a big fan of beast but he isnt the strongest scrummager
in a bok team id start with bj and heinke who are clearly the proven stroingest scrummagers
and when the heat is off you bring on a brian or beast
problem is mate yes they do need the experience , but you also need to win and if it goes wrong we in trouble
also you need you best team to gel together , understand each other before the kiwis games etc
if you lose to wales can you imagine the morale ??
4 Jun 2008, 15:51 pm
#296 tight head: No he walked off when he played under mediocre coaches with average players. His quote was still that he was “gatvol”
Go speak to any of the props who scrummed against him
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