A Bolt driver’s miracle: How a Desiree Ellis phone call saved Mpho Maruping
In the world of professional football, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, few stories are as inspiring as Mpho Maruping’s.
After a decade on the pitch, Maruping’s journey was cut short at 30. The relentless ache of a recurring ACL injury, an unwelcome souvenir from his University of Pretoria – AmaTuks days, forced his hand.
The vibrant tapestry of his career wove through the heart of South African football, from the fiery spirit of Nathi Lions to the electric energy of Bloemfontein Celtic. He graced the fields of Free State Stars, TS Sporting, and Royal AM, leaving an enduring mark on each club. Yet, the curtain fell prematurely, a poignant reminder of the fragility inherent in the beautiful game.
“My first season in the PSL, I got a career-threatening injury,” Maruping tells FARPost. “I tore my ACL, and I recovered after a year. It should have taken me eight months, but it took me 12 months. I was never the same after that.”
And when the curtain came down, he found himself teetering on the precipice of despair. “When I called it quits, I didn’t tell anyone because I felt it was just too much,” he explains. “I was under so much stress, and I spoke to my wife. I prayed about it, and that’s when I stopped playing.”
THE BEGINNING OF MPHO MARUPING’S VIDEO ANALYSIS CAREER
Interestingly, during his days on the pitch for the Tuks, a young Maruping was quietly nurturing a passion far removed from the roar of the crowd. In the hushed halls of Vega Branding School, he delved into the intricate art of videography, unaware that this seemingly unrelated skill would eventually weave its way into the tapestry of his destiny.
“I extend my sincere thanks to the University of Pretoria board and Coach Nkululeko Malgas. I specifically want to acknowledge Coach Nkululeko for his invaluable mentorship, which guided me into the field of analysis. Even today, I am honoured to consider him one of my mentors,” he says.
“I went back to Tuks and asked them to help me understand video analysis a little bit. I spoke to Tebogo Monyai, the chief scout at Tuks. They welcomed me because I served well as a player. They took me through the paces of understanding video analysis.”
Monyai, who is also the vice president of the South African Football Players Union [SAFPU], recalls that conversation.
“He was already studying videography and photography and had a CAF D and CAF C License. I advised him to move into video and performance analysis. My thinking was that the space was not as saturated,” Monyai tells FARPost.
Monyai facilitated that he join Tuks as a volunteer before he found himself working as a video analyst for Pretoria Callies, a far cry from the glamorous stadiums and adoring fans he was accustomed to.
Eager to grow and develop his skills, he reached out to Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, seeking an opportunity to shadow the team’s analyst. Ellis, recognising his potential despite his lack of experience, promised to keep him in mind.
With his dreams shattered and his livelihood abruptly stripped away, he grappled with the weight of providing for his growing family – an expecting wife and two young children. The financial strain and emotional burden became an overwhelming force, pushing him to the darkest depths of his mind, contemplating the unthinkable act of taking his own life.
Yet, in the face of such profound anguish, a flicker of hope remained. Maruping’s devoted wife, a pillar of strength amidst the turmoil, refused to surrender to despair. Her unwavering faith and fervent prayers became a lifeline, a beacon of light guiding him through the darkest night.
WHAT DESIREE ELLIS’S CALL MEANT TO MPHO MARUPING
In desperation, Maruping turned to Bolt—a ride-hailing service—to eke out a meagre living. Waking up at the crack of dawn, he would spend long hours behind the wheel, hoping to earn enough to make ends meet. Little did he know that fate had a different plan in store for him.
As he navigated the bustling streets of Gauteng, a phone call from an unexpected source would forever alter the trajectory of his life. It was Banyana’s mentor, Ellis, reaching out from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON] in Morocco.
She had genuinely remembered both Maruping’s resume and his potential. The Cape Town-born coach extended an invitation for Maruping to join her staff as a video analyst, a lifeline that ignited a spark of hope within him.
“I remember I had a client in the car when Coach Desiree called me…” recalls Maruping. Joy overwhelmed him as he got off that call. Everything else faded into insignificance as a wave of euphoria washed over him, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and a feeling of starting anew.
Conversely, Ellis discloses the factors that led her to seek help from the then-novice analyst. “We were going to WAFCON, and the analyst was not available at the last minute. So I gave Mpho a shout. I think he had given me his CV. I promised to keep him in mind,” the WAFCON-winning coach tells FARPost.
In a surprising turn of events, Maruping abandoned his Bolt and boarded a flight to Morocco. “We started working and set out how we wanted to work. The rest is history. He’s very good at what he does, he understands the game, and that really helps,” explains Ellis.
She fondly remembers Maruping’s enthusiastic halftime sprints towards her, eagerly sharing valuable game insights that would later weave their way into her inspiring team talks, propelling them to make history.
From behind the wheel of a taxi to an African champion in a matter of days, his story demonstrates how quickly life’s fortunes can change.
With newfound purpose, he embraced this unexpected opportunity, his analytical mind proving to be an invaluable asset to the team. His contributions played a crucial role in South Africa’s triumphant victory at the WAFCON, followed by an impressive run to the Last 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
THE JOURNEY OF REDEMPTION CONTINUES WITH YOUNG AFRICANS
His journey of redemption continued as he ventured across borders. Maruping joined forces with Young Africans of Tanzania. The 33-year-old’s analytical prowess and tactical acumen propelled the team to new heights. Yanga secured the Tanzania Premier League title and the FA Cup. The club also enjoyed an unforgettable run to the quarterfinals of the prestigious CAF Champions League.
Yanga head coach Miguel Gamondi described the CAF B License holder as a dedicated and focused analyst.
“Mpho Maruping is a dedicated and focused analyst who has been an invaluable asset to our team,” Gamondi told FARPost. His work ethic and determination will undoubtedly lead him to exceptional career achievements.”
Maruping’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of faith. From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of success, his journey serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity. It is a testament to the unwavering support of loved ones, the unexpected opportunities that life may present, and the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us.
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