Preston Grasshoppers are certainly heading in the right direction. Currently top of Premier North and edging closer to a return to the fourth tier of English rugby, Paul Arnold’s side have bounced back superbly from the disappointment of relegation last year.
As things stand, they are 15 points clear at the summit with only a handful of games remaining in their season, but one player that typifies Preston's response and positive reaction is prop Oga Mabaya.
Mabaya was born in Zimbabwe in 1990 and moved to England as a teenager following the economic crisis in his homeland. He settled in Preston, but he found it hard to adjust to his new lifestyle.
However, he turned to rugby and playing for Preston Grasshoppers at junior level helped him enjoy life in this country, meet new friends and in his own words ‘become a better person.’
Mabaya then moved into the men’s set-up at the club, but he knew he had to work hard if he was to achieve his objective of playing 1st XV rugby at Lightfoot Green. He knew he needed to give rugby a proper go so he put his socialising and partying to one side and began working hard to reach his goal.
His dedication paid off and after earning his chance in the 1st XV, Mabaya has not looked back.
Mabaya said: “I am no superstar, but I’m the best version of me I can be” and this film directed, shot and edited by Garth Dew follows Mabaya on his way to achieving his dream.
.jpg "Preston Grasshoppers' Garth Dew competes for a line-out as his side have now lost just one of their last six matches.")
