Lowveld Local | MJ Mentz

Recently appointed new coach of the Steval Pumas, MJ Mentz, took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some of our not-so-formal questions.

Who is MJ?
I’m MJ Mentz from Ermelo. I’m a young dynamic coach and I’m a family man that honours God.

Your best day so far?
In my personal life I’d have to say the day my son was born. It was an amazing day. As far as sport goes it would be the day I got called up for the Spingbok Sevens team.

Any near death experiences?
Sometimes in summer on the rugby field during practice it feels like I might die, but other than that luckily none.

What don’t people know about you?
That I’m a 5 handicap golf player and that I have junior provincial colours in polo cross. In fact I’m not sure that many people know what polo cross is. It’s the sport with the horses and sticks.

Your kryptonite?
I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth. Nothing like a good piece of cake and a Coke every now and then!

What grates your carrot?
People who are late! I don’t like it and it really gets on my nerves very quickly.

Have you ever saved a life?
On the farm i grew up on I assisted with bringing a couple of Dexter calves into life but I’m not sure if that’s the same.

What is cool about Lowvelders?
I think with being part of the Pumas during the time of the move to Nelspruit it was, and still is, amazing to see the amount of support we receive. From day one Lowvelders got behind the team and helped out with big and small things to get us to where we are now.

Best Kruger Park moment?
I’ll honestly say that I haven’t been there many times but the one time I did go I saw a leopard dragging a carcass around, which was pretty cool.

If you had to be someone else?
Rory Mcllroy for sure! I think he has a nice life.

A word you overuse?
Attitude! The players probably think they hear it too much but they’re going to hear it a lot more.

Your most prized earthly possession?
My golf clubs I guess. I have a Ping set and even though I’ve bought my son his own set he just can’t seem to leave mine alone.

Which reality show would you like to enter?
Survivor for sure! If they don’t get food behind the scenes I think it’s a lot tougher than we think. I’ve always thought I’d do well in a survival challenge.

The best thing before sliced bread?
My coaching whistle. My voice wouldn’t make a day on the field if I didn’t have it. It’s amazing how quickly the players react to the sound of it. Simply priceless.