Sharks’ speedster Makazole Mapimpi will now have to be extra cautious when it comes to his temper, this comes as the 34-year-old now faces a three-week ban from rugby.
The ban comes off the back of a recent encounter between the Durban-based franchise, the Sharks, and Welsh team Cardiff during their 42 – 22 victory at the Cardiff Arms Park Stadium in Wales last month.
The match ended up being a heated affair among players which later resulted in a physical altercation between the double world cup winner and the opposition’s replacement hooker Efan Daniel. This resulted in Efan pulling Makazole’s jersey over his face, which angered the Springbok international, causing him to retaliate with what appeared to be an eye gouge.
Mapimpi making contact with the eyes is fine now is it? pic.twitter.com/XKiZ3sg1ub
— SmallClone (@Smallclone_) January 25, 2025
While the Television Match Official (TMO) ignored the incident on the day, the uproar from Welsh supporters later resulted in a second look into the incident.
Meanwhile, Makazole recently faced the consequences of his actions and confessed to being guilty of foul play.
He was charged under Law 9.12: A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes but is not limited to biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head, or knees, stamping, trampling, tripping, or kicking.
With his team currently fourth on the URC log, his absence will see him missing games against South African rivals the Bulls and Lions (home and away).
Also see: Makazole Mapimpi ‘Get Ready’ reels leaves Lorna Maseko drooling
