Beast in hospital with heart condition
Springbok prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira is currently being treated in a Cape Town hospital for a heart condition.
The popular Sharks player admitted that he was in hospital, but was understandably reluctant to speak about his state of health.
“Yes, I am in hospital here in Cape Town. But I can’t speak right now because I want to maintain a low profile,” the Springbok loosehead prop said on Monday.
The 26 year-old Zimbabwean born front row forward is recovering from a fractured ankle. According to Sharks team doctor Ewoudt van der Linde, the injured ankle will keep him out of action for at least three to four months.
Van der Linde however confirmed that Mtawarira was admitted to the heart unit of a private hospital in Cape Town because he is suffering from heart palpitations.
“It’s not the first time it’s happening to him. Beast has been struggling with the condition for quite some time and because he is recovering from his ankle injury, we thought it would be the opportune time to send him to Cape Town for treatment,” said Van der Linde.
According to Van der Linde, the private hospital in the Cape is the best in the country to treat Mtawarira’s condition.
“They have a new procedure where the heart is treated with lasers. Hopefully it will solve his problem,” Van der Linde explained.
The doctor however said there is nothing to be concerned about because the heart condition will not threaten to bring a premature end to Mtawarira’s rugby career. The Beast has played for the Sharks in 67 Super Rugby matches and has 32 test caps under his belt for the Boks.
“There is a family history and the condition is hereditary. But it is not so serious. It’s nothing new and has happened many times in matches before. Beast is used to it already. This is not the first and also not the last time it will happen. It especially happens with a lot of married men,” he quipped.
Van der Linde says Craig Roberts, the Springbok team doctor, has already treated the heart palpitations in the past.
SA Rugby however does not know about the new treatment Mtawarira is currently undergoing in Cape Town.
“Beast is an vital player not only for the Sharks but also for the Springboks. That is why it’s important that he recovers as soon as possible so that he will be ready to be considered for the tests in June,” he added.
