Meet Oupa Mohoje - Dad, Rugby star and Husband.

There’s no denying that rugby player, Oupa Mohoje, is a force to be reckoned with on the field, but who is he when the boots and the kit come off and he’s simply at home on a Sunday afternoon surrounded by friends and family?

He defines ‘God, Family and Rugby’ as the 3 most important things in his life, but there is more than meets the eye when you meet the 1.93m gentle giant.

As a professional rugby player and fitness fanatic, Oupa recently added two new titles to his resume; that of husband, and father to new born son, Hloni.

As a professional rugby player for the Cheetahs, based in Bloemfontein, Oupa has found confidence in his ability to bounce back from injury and face any challenge head-on.

With an infectious smile, and an impressive rugby career to match, Oupa Mohoje sits down with us in an exclusive one-on-one.

What was your childhood like?

Oupa: Amazing… I had two parents that love me unconditionally, and a brother who always looks out for me. In school, I was lucky enough to find people that have genuine good hearts, and we’re still in touch even though we’ve gone our separate ways.

As a new dad, what are your hopes for your son as he grows up in today’s world?

Oupa: To be the best at whatever he does. I hope if he does want to become a rugby player, or an attorney like his mother, he doesn’t do it because we did it; I hope he does it because he finds passion in it. Whatever calling he’s brought into the world for, I hope he answers it to the best of his ability, and we’ll be there to give him the supports he needs, just like how our parents supported us when we were young.

What type of dad do you aspire to be?

Oupa: The best dad ever, I want my son to give me a hug in front of his teen peers, I want my son to share his experiences with me, even the hardest and most embarrassing ones. I want to be there for him.

What was one of the most challenging setbacks you faced in your career but overcame?

Oupa: 2018 - my injury, it challenged me a lot. It was by far the biggest challenge of my career. That specific injury had me on my back crying like a baby, but we went through it, even though I had doubts, we went through it.

Tell us a bit about your wedding - where did it take place, and what was the day like?

Oupa: The day was when I paid Lobola for the woman I love, it was great. The big day will happen next year.

As someone in the public eye, how do you use your platform to help and inspire others?

Oupa: Be an example, and live by the example, that’s it.

Having been a part of the Cheetahs for many years - what made the team one that “kept” you coming back for more?

Oupa: The cheetahs have been taking very good care of me over the past years, it’s really been a home for me, through my very high highs, and my low lows. The union has become like a family to me now

Tell us a bit about your wedding - where did it take place, and what was the day like?

Oupa: The day was when I paid Lobola for the woman I love, it was great. The big day will happen next year.

As someone in the public eye, how do you use your platform to help and inspire others?

Oupa: Be an example, and live by the example, that’s it.

Having been a part of the Cheetahs for many years - what made the team one that “kept” you coming back for more?

Oupa: The cheetahs have been taking very good care of me over the past years, it’s really been a home for me, through my very high highs, and my low lows. The union has become like a family to me now

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Oupa: I used to when I was younger, it was nothing too intense, but they’re embarrassing regardless. I can never bring myself to share them on a public platform.

What does a typical Oupa training session look like in your free time?

Oupa: I don’t enjoy lifting weights as much as I used to, so I go in and stretch first, head to the Wattbike, or the Assault Bike, then do a bit of weights.

Well if there’s one thing we know, it’s that Oupa Mohoje is a name that will remain in the rugby industry for many years to come – and for all the right reasons.

Follow his journey: https://www.instagram.com/oupsmo/