By Daniel Nhakaniso
Zimbabwe rugby international Tapiwa Mafura will make his 50th appearance in the Currie Cup when he starts for the Golden Lions during their Carling Cup clash against the Griffons at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Friday night.
Lions head coach Mzwakhe Nkosi named Mafura at fullback as he makes the most of the Zimbabwean star’s versatility after his string of impressive performances on the wing this season.
Already assured of a home semi-final, Mafura and his teammates will be full of confidence after overcoming the Vodacom Bulls last week to move to the top spot.
The tie against Griffons will be of huge significance for Mafura, as he further cements his reputation as one of the most successful modern players in the grand old lady of South Africa’s domestic tournaments.
The slippery Mafura has won three Currie Cup winners medals in his career, twice with the Free State Cheetahs and once with the Pumas.
This season he is bidding to win the prestigious cup competition in his debut campaign with the Lions.
The gifted fullback recently helped the Zimbabwe Sables clinch their first Rugby Africa Cup title since 2012.