Andre Esterhuizen: Springboks New Captain Acknowledges Past, Claps Back at Anele Mdoda Calls for Ban
- Andre Esterhuizen liked comments on social media referencing his 2012 K-word incident ahead of his Springbok captaincy debut this weekend
- One of the comments he liked directly addressed radio presenter Anele Mdoda, who publicly called for him to be banned from rugby
- SA Rugby has not responded to requests for comment on the resurfaced racial slur incident involving the newly appointed Springbok captain
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Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen, set to captain South Africa against the Wallabies this weekend, has responded to public commentary about his past by liking a series of social media comments, including one directed at radio presenter Anele Mdoda.
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The activity surfaced on Esterhuizen's Instagram and Facebook accounts, where he shared a post from a brand he represents. Beneath the post, he liked several comments congratulating him on his captaincy appointment. Among them were remarks that touched on a 2012 racial slur incident, in which he called Thabo Molete, coach of Potchefstroom Gymnasium, a "f**king k*****" during a rugby match.
What happened in 2012
Esterhuizen was 18 years old at the time of the incident. He was found guilty of misconduct and initially handed a one-year ban, which was later reduced to six months on condition that he complete a life skills programme.
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As a result, he missed Craven Week. He matriculated from Klerksdorp High School that same year and relocated to Durban in 2013 to join the Sharks.
One of the comments he liked read: "People will always bring up the past against you to bring you down, but you have changed, and that's what counts."
The Anele Mdoda comment
The 947 presenter made headlines after responding publicly to coverage of the old incident. On X, Mdoda wrote: "He should be banned from playing rugby period!"
Among the comments Esterhuizen liked was one that addressed her directly: "Andre, forget about Anele. Here we support you; a man is a culmination of his best moments, his mistakes and the growth in between. Keep on fighting the good fight, being yourself, and the great man we ALL KNOW YOU TO BE."
SA Rugby did not respond to a request for comment on the resurfaced incident at the time of publishing.
Springboks release two stars before Wallabies Test
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that two players left the touring squad ahead of the Wallabies clash on 27 September
Utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit and centre Damian de Allende were released to spend time with their families after a demanding schedule.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
