Aphelele Fassi Credits Coaches and Teammates for Stellar 2024 Form
Springboks and Sharks full-back, Aphelele Fassi, has credited his coaches and senior teammates for his outstanding performances in 2024, both at club and international levels. Fassi, who has been one of the standout players for the Springboks this year, began the season on the fringes of the national team’s starting lineup. However, by the end of the Rugby Championship, he had cemented himself as the first-choice full-back for the world champions.
At 26 years old, Fassi’s form has shone not only for South Africa but also at club level. His brilliant displays continued on Saturday, as he claimed the official Man of the Match award in the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship victory over defending champions Glasgow Warriors.
Achievements in 2024
In a recent appearance on the Behind the Ruck podcast, former Springboks centre Juan de Jongh asked Fassi about his feelings regarding his achievements in 2024. Fassi expressed pride, noting that his goals evolved once he joined the Springboks.
“I’m proud, really, I won’t lie. I think, when I started, before I joined the Boks, it was always URC.
“And then, obviously, your goals are quite different then. And then when I got the opportunity to join the Boks, you know, your goals change as well.
“And I always say it’s a mindset thing. And then I think for me now, coming back into this two weeks, it’s just being able to stay consistent in what I do, my prep, how I play and just how I am, you know, when I’m not here and with the Boks.
“So I don’t try to change much into my game and myself.”
Read Also:Aphelele Fassi: How Tough Conversations and Resilience Revived His Springbok Career
Journey Back to the Springboks
Fassi made his Springboks debut in 2021 against Georgia but, after a brief stint, was dropped from the team. He spent the following two years in the international wilderness, refining his game at the Sharks. His breakthrough came during the 2023/24 Challenge Cup, where his consistent performances earned him a well-deserved recall to the national side.
Fassi attributes much of his success to the guidance of his coaches and the influence of experienced teammates.
“I think I would say credit to the coaches because the confidence that they give you during the week and the players, you know, it speaks volumes.
“So, when you go out there, you’re free, man.
“You know what? You’re not worried about making mistakes and everything, you know? So, we work a lot with, like, Willie (le Roux), Handre (Pollard), Lukhanyo (Am), (Makazole) Mapimpi.
“We, you know, the way that they understand the game and the way that they bring it towards, like, me, Sacha (Feinberg-Mgomezulu), the youngsters, you know, when you go out there, it’s just like, now, go out and play, you know?
“So, it’s nice, yeah.”
A Surprising Springboks Recall
Fassi also shared how his call-up to the Springboks squad earlier this year caught him by surprise. After receiving the invitation, he was excited to rejoin the national team environment.
“I felt free. You know, I was surprised when, like I said, I got invited into the (Springboks) group chat and I was like, yes, you know?
“And waiting for my tickets and, yeah, when I got there, excited. You know, like I said, setting goals. I never thought that I’ll play six games out of the ten that has been played (in 2024).
“But I think the group itself, like looking at Eben (Etzebeth) and Pieter-Steph (du Toit), hard-working guys. So, you know, Siya (Kolisi), you want to be at that pinnacle level where they are. And, yeah, they drive you.
“I think the coaching staff is very, very determined to make the best out of you as a player. So when that opportunity came to me, I was like, ‘I want to take it with both hands’.”
Future Prospects
With Fassi’s remarkable performances this year, it is evident that he has a bright future ahead of him, both for the Springboks and Sharks. His ability to remain consistent and focused on his game has earned him respect within his team and the rugby community.
