Rugby
Powerful Makata raring to go after facial fracture─── MORGAN PIEK 07:54 Fri, 11 Apr 2025
The Suzuki Griquas winger Sako Makata is locked and loaded for his return to the field on Friday afternoon, when his side takes on Eastern Province in Kimberley – less than three weeks after sustaining a facial fracture.
The former Blitzboks star picked up the potentially serious injury during the Griquas’ massive 118–3 win over the Border Bulldogs in his hometown of East London on 21 March. The injury kept him out of action briefly, but now he’s back and raring to go.
Makata has been named on the bench for the clash against Eastern Province and is eager to get back onto the park. Although he’s only been sidelined for under two weeks, he admits there are some nerves creeping in.
Sako Makata. Photo: Morgan Piek
“I'm pretty excited to go out there and represent the Griquas because, like I said last time, it's a huge honour and privilege to wear this jersey,” said Makata.
“I’m a bit nervous – it feels like I haven’t played rugby in ages. But it’s only been three weeks. That’s just the nature of the game. If you're away for even a short while, you start feeling like you've lost your edge, or the nerves just hit you. But other than that, I’m excited.
“We’ve had a solid week of preparation, and we’re expecting a tough battle – that’s always something to look forward to.”
Makata added that he feels incredibly fortunate to be able to play again so soon, considering how serious the injury could’ve been. He highlighted just how lucky he was, as injuries of that nature often require surgery.
“I’m honestly quite grateful that I didn’t have to go under the knife,” he said.
“The doctor told me it’s pretty rare to have a bone displacement or fracture near the eye and not need surgery to fix it.
“The crazy part is, while I was at my first consultation, there was a kid there with the exact same injury – and he had to go in for an operation. I think his surgery was yesterday or earlier this week.
Litha Nkula and Sako Makata. Photo: Morgan Piek
“That moment really put things into perspective. I realised how lucky I was to avoid surgery, and I’m just stoked to be playing again. I honestly can’t wait to get back out there.”
Friday afternoon’s match between the Peacock Blues and Eastern Province kicks off at 15:00 at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.
Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Thabo Ndimande, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Corné Weilbach, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids
Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Athenkosi Khetani, 20 Carl Els, 21 Xavier Swartbooi, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Sako Makata
Eastern Province - 15 Jaden Bantom, 14 Rodney Damons, 13 Sherwin Slater, 12 Troy Delport, 11 Davian Swanepoel, 10 Chris Humphries, 9 Shirwin Cupido, 8 Athi Manentsa, 7 Laken Gray, 6 CJ Velleman, 5 Stefan Willemse (captain), 4 JJ Scheepers, 3 Zukisa Sali, 2 Deon Plaatjies, 1 Siyakubonga Nzuzo
Replacements - 16 Masikane Mazwi, 17 Arno Gustafson, 18 Dunvan Du Buisson, 19 Hannes Huisaman, 20 Diego Williams, 21 Wayne Ngubane, 22 Chadwyn November, 23 Liqhawe Mokuena/ Enrique Franks
