Vodacom Blue Bulls legend John Mametsa has decided to call it a day on his playing career.
Official Blue Bulls media release
The fearless try scoring machine announced on Thursday that his playing days are over and that he will focus his time and energy on his family and business interests.
“It is the right time for me to leave the game. I am still able to play, but after 10 years of top flight rugby, other issues in my life demand and deserve my time. What a privilege it was to play so many matches for the Blue Bulls and to share in the unbelievable successes they had in that time,” Mametsa said.
The 29-year old winger, who made his provincial debut for the Blue Bulls in 2002 and scored 70 tries since then, has been an integral part of the successes of the Blue Bulls teams in that time.
He leaves the game with Currie Cup medals, Super 14 caps and an established fan base, which he had temporarily stumped a couple of seasons back as he returned without his familiar dreadlocks.
They soon realised that although the Polokwane-born flyer lost his hair, he still knew the way to the try line. Mametsa leaves the game with general acceptance and admiration for his bravery on defence, his ability in the air and his proven finishing.
“We have lost a real stalwart, but understands his reasons for calling it a day,” Vodacom Blue Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, said after being told by Mametsa about his decision.
“His records for the Bulls and his status in the game remains unchallenged. The Blue Bulls family will forever appreciate his efforts for the team,” Ludeke said.
Blue Bulls Company CEO, Barend van Graan, also expressed his gratitude to Mametsa.
“He probably was our first black star and did so much over the last decade to enhance the Bulls as a team for the people. After a decade of exceptional service to this team, we are very proud to acknowledge one of our great players. We understand John’s decision to pursue his business career and spend time with his family. We wish him all of the best in that regard,” Van Graan said.
Player Bio:
Height: 1.73, Weight: 83
DOB Place: 10.03.1981, Polokwane
Provincial caps: 130, 350 points (70t)
Provincial debut: 2002
Super Rugby Caps: 6, 5 points (1 t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2008 v Stormers
Vodacom Blue Bulls legend John Mametsa has decided to call it a day on his playing career.
The fearless try scoring machine announced on Thursday that his playing days are over and that he will focus his time and energy on his family and business interests.
“It is the right time for me to leave the game. I am still able to play, but after 10 years of top flight rugby, other issues in my life demand and deserve my time. What a privilege it was to play so many matches for the Blue Bulls and to share in the unbelievable successes they had in that time,” Mametsa said.
The 29-year old winger, who made his provincial debut for the Blue Bulls in 2002 and scored 70 tries since then, has been an integral part of the successes of the Blue Bulls teams in that time.
He leaves the game with Currie Cup medals, Super 14 caps and an established fan base, which he had temporarily stumped a couple of seasons back as he returned without his familiar dreadlocks.
They soon realised that although the Polokwane-born flyer lost his hair, he still knew the way to the try line. Mametsa leaves the game with general acceptance and admiration for his bravery on defence, his ability in the air and his proven finishing.
“We have lost a real stalwart, but understands his reasons for calling it a day,” Vodacom Blue Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, said after being told by Mametsa about his decision.
“His records for the Bulls and his status in the game remains unchallenged. The Blue Bulls family will forever appreciate his efforts for the team,” Ludeke said.
Blue Bulls Company CEO, Barend van Graan, also expressed his gratitude to Mametsa.
“He probably was our first black star and did so much over the last decade to enhance the Bulls as a team for the people. After a decade of exceptional service to this team, we are very proud to acknowledge one of our great players. We understand John’s decision to pursue his business career and spend time with his family. We wish him all of the best in that regard,” Van Graan said.
Player Bio:
Height: 1.73, Weight: 83
DOB Place: 10.03.1981, Polokwane
Provincial caps: 130, 350 points (70t)
Provincial debut: 2002
Super Rugby Caps: 6, 5 points (1 t)
Super Rugby Debut: 2008 v Stormers
I really liked John, sorry old friend , you were still good enough to play in my team any day. The young ones that came through just piped you to the post but your guts and loyalty will always be sincerely be appreciated by me. You are in the class of Pedrie Wannenburg, you never ever dropped your team.
If i could find you i would invite you personally to visit my family , we were all great supporters of you. If not for injuries you would have stacked up many more records.
I write this post out of my heart and wish you all the best.
ps.
If something goes wrong with the Bjorn Basson and CR case reconsider please.
John Mametsa had guts and passion and if he was slightly bigger would have been a monster.
Go well John!
Legend? Lol.
A black wing who couldn’t make the boks and have white boys keep him out the side must be rubbish.
@ superBul:1 – Super, A great post there by you.
@ Pam Anderson:
Mametsa was a gutsy and good player.
I realy dont understand your sentiment. How many provincial caps do you have again ?
5@ Blouste:
Hehehe
#3 what a kuk comment!!!!!
Very few players play with Mametsa’s passion!! everytime he was on the pitch he gave it his all!
An honest hard grafter and it sounds like he is retiring without injury which is a bonus. All the best John and thanks for the many exciting moments.
Hamba Kahle.
@ Pam Anderson:
You are either a racist or a troll or a stirrer, fark man if you re not a Bulls supporter stay out of this. In our eyes he was a real stalwart. Like GBS said if he had more size he would have been a legend.
He was a good player and never let his team down,was a very good provincial player. All the best to him post professional rugby.
ek het ok nogal die ou gelaaik en snaaks genoeg het ek hom bokant ndugane gerate,hy was n staatmaker en het iets gehad wat ek as van ontskatbare waarde beskou “loyalityd”
11@ smallies72:
Hy was wragtig ‘n staatmaker en lojale spanman… en ja, dit is van ONSKATBARE WAARDE!
Hmmm….humour is something lost on Bulls supporters I see.
No surprise there I suppose.
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