Mujati raring to go

Mujati used his two seasons with the Lions to establish him as one of the most exciting forward prospects in the country and his name has even been mentioned as a Springbok candidate.

The 23-year-old, who joined Western Province and the Stormers at the end of last season, has a surprisingly pragmatic approach to it all. “I want to make the team and play in the team, that is it. If I play well I will stay in the team, but for now my goal is to make the team first.”

The Zimbabwean born player said talk about Springbok colours was premature and that his first aim was to do a good job for the Stormers if and when he gets a chance to play. “I don’t know about that (Springbok selection), but if I am good enough they will pick me.”

The mobile prop has been in South Africa long enough to qualify for selection.

Mujati came to Johannesburg in 2003 to play trials for the Lions and studied at Rand Afrikaans University on a rugby bursary the following year. He made his Currie Cup debut for the Lions in 2006 and played only two games before sustaining an injury that kept him out for the rest of the season.

Last year disaster stuck again when he injured his wrist in a Currie Cup match against Griquas and had to sit on the sidelines for seven months. “It was bad, as for the first two months I couldn’t feel my fingers at all. Now it is much better. I am ready again to play a match.”

Turning to his move to Cape Town, Mujati said it was for personal reasons and a move he had to make. “I like the city and I am enjoying it here. There is a nice vibe and the people are very friendly and more ‘rustig’ (relaxed) then up there in Joburg.

“I’ve adapted nicely to the lifestyle. I’ve been trying to get past my hand thing, because that’s been the longest I’ve been out with any injury. I want to hit the ground running.”

Fortunately for Mujati he had a lot of support during his settling-in period. “My girlfriend studied at UCT and I also know a lot of guys from school who are still studying at UCT, so they’ve been a great help.”

And the big prop is confident that things will go as well for the Stormers this season in the Super 14 as it has been going for him in Cape Town thus far.