I read quite a sad article
this morning written by the wife of Southern Kings player Mpho Mbiyozo and
although she spoke about a lot of things such as their marriage and various
other personal things. The topic of her husband’s rugby career caught my eye
the most. He is a decorated rugby player having played for the South African
sevens team and being involved in the World Series win in 2008/09 season. He
never featured much at provincial level, well not to my knowledge anyway. There
have been some players who have converted well to the 15 man format such as Gio
Aplon, Robert Ebersohn and Ryno Benjamin to name a few, Mpho fits into that
same mould.
In 2009, the British and
Irish Lions came on tour to SA and besides playing the Boks they played some of
the provincial teams including the Southern kings who at the time weren’t a
recognised franchise. They comprised of a host of players from all over the
country including one Mpho Imbiyozo. That was the first game I had seen him
play in the 15 man format and I was extremely impressed with his performance
against such revered opponents. He played in the loose forward position and it
was like he had been playing in that format forever, he did everything expected
and more. I was happy to see that he was playing for the Southern Kings a while
later when they became a recognised franchise and was excited to see what he
could do.
I however didn’t get the
chance to see what he could do as the Kings played in the Currie Cup B division
and I did not pay that much attention to it. I had not however forgotten about the
player whom I had admired from the time he played sevens and that game against
the Lions.
When it was confirmed
that the Kings would be included into Super Rugby this year I had mixed
feelings as I’ve mentioned in my previous posts. I did come across an article
in which the new kit for the Kings was launched and the players who presented
the kit were Luke Watson and Mpho Mbiyozo and once again I looked forward to
seeing him in action this season. I am still waiting to see him in action though;
he is yet to play a game for the Southern Kings in Super rugby.
When the Southern Kings
become a recognised union Mpho was there in the beginning and helped build the
union. He was there to play and even captain the side at some times. He is even
one of the faces of the team when it comes to adverts and as I’ve already mentioned
to unveil their new kit. So why then has he not even played a single game?
To my knowledge the whole
argument that got the kings into Super Rugby was that they were going to give
local players a platform to show what they can do in top flight rugby. Mpho is originally
from the Eastern Cape and as with many players he had no premier team to play
for so he moved away. He’s been back for quite some time and still no place for
him?
Could it be that he’s not
good enough? Well in my opinion no, he’s more than good enough. Now granted the
loose forwards for the Kings have been quite impressive this season so far but
having already proven himself in a Kings jersey shouldn’t he be given a chance
to prove himself at this level? Players from other countries get a place but
not him a local born player with talent that is being wasted.
I haven’t done much
research of yet as to why he hasn’t played yet but I intend to do so and come
back to you with my findings. My favourite player: Siya Kolisi of the Stormers
who I believe to be the best flanker in the country at the moment got his Super
Rugby debut due to the injury of Schalk Burger last season. If Burger had not
been injured would his talent been seen?
I’m hoping that something
of that nature happens quite soon so that the world can see what I’ve already
seen which is the talent that is Mpho Imbiyozo.
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