‘Sport Wives’: Clarrisa Manaças on telling her story
Episode one of the Sport Wives placed us viewers’ at the front-row seat into the lives of the wives, girlfriends and exes of South Africa’s sporting greats.
And while there were no expectations as to what to expect, the first episode was already filled with drama and truth. Clarrisa Manaças, who is the former fiancé of the Springboks and Vodacom Bulls former player Lionel Mapoe, was among those who immediately opened herself up as she shares the then troubles of her former relationship.
And as the weeks unfold, with each episode dropping every Tuesday, we snuck into Miss Clarrisa’s world, shooting and why she said yes to such a reality TV show.
Enjoy!
Already in the first episode, you were immediately open and honest about your life. How much discussions did you have with your family/children about the show and the honesty part of it before shooting? I’ve had to be completely open and honest about the show, especially to my immediate family. It was a hard pill to swallow for some of them but in all honesty it’s my journey and my story to tell. My children will be sheltered from hearing anything they aren’t meant to, after all it is an age restricted production so I would hope that none of their friend’s parents permit them to watch any of it.
How open are you on the show and why be that open? I’m pretty transparent about everything in my relationship and I feel like I’ve silenced myself for far too long.
Why did you say yes to the show? At first I was reluctant based on how reality shows can taint who you are as a person but I agreed to it after having spoken to the production team and their vision for the show was quite intriguing, it’s safe to say I don’t regret it one bit.
You made mention of having your own aspirations. What are those? Having my entire life centered around rugby, moving, the sacrifices I made as a rugby wife/partner was difficult. I couldn’t have a consistent permanent job. I am now focused on my personal goals and to become so successful in every aspect of my life.
Putting your life openly like that can open you up to public scrutiny. Are you ready for that? People will always talk whether it’s positive or negative so let them. I’m delivered from public opinion so I’m not too concerned with what they say.
If you would describe who Clarrisa is now, what would you say? Clarrisa is stronger, I’ve met a version of myself over the past couple of years that I didn’t recognize but I’ve learnt that everything you go through you need to grow through.
What are some of the benefits of having gone through shooting the show? I’ve learned so much during shooting, I also healed, I was surrounded by some really great women both production and cast. They’ve aided in my healing process and I’m grateful for that.
What do you hope to achieve post the show? That’s a tricky one but essentially hoping that the show could open up new possibilities and opportunities for me whatever they may be.
What do you hope someone learns from you while watching? My intention is quite prevalent my journey has not been an easy one and I’m sure there are a plethora of women out there who have been through similar experiences and hoping that my journey through healing and elevation gives someone else out there a little bit of hope. It’s okay not to be okay despite how glamorous life may look from the outside, people all go through their own struggles in life and as hard as it is it becomes easier over time.
Clarissa is joined by 37-year-old Dipuo Maloi, Tsholo Makgalemele-Mbane (31), Sisanda Cetiywe (37), Christa Kgamphe-Jane (37) and Bomzi September (34) – all affiliated to the sporting world one way or the other.
Sports Wives is the first reality show from Ndlovukazi Concepts, who have produced hits such as Cishe Ngafa and Abandoned for Mzansi Magic.