HE’S been dubbed the “wonder wing” and it’s easy to see why. Aphelele Fassi’s blistering speed, good passes, and rock-solid defense have been praised by rugby fans and experts worldwide.
It came as no surprise when the talented young player got called up to represent his country for the Springboks’ first game of the season against Georgia.
And Aphelele (23) didn’t disappoint.
The newcomer scored his first Test try in the fifth minute of the game – contributing to the Boks’ 40-9 thrashing of the Georgians.
Playing at left wing instead of his usual fullback position, he also set up another try with a well-executed chip kick.
“I’m very fortunate to score a try on debut and my first touch,” Aphelele tells YOU.
“I think I got confidence from assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Felix Jones and everyone in the setup.”
Modest as Aphelele maybe, his dream debut sent fans into a frenzy. Videos of neighbours throwing a party for his parents in the small town of Qonce in the Eastern Cape went viral on social media.
“Back home, everyone supports each other’s achievement and what they did for me was special. When I sent the video, I was quite emotional because people were taking their time to actually support me and my family for my achievements,” he says.
“It makes me super-proud to see there are people who have my back and people who support me.”
この記事は YOU South Africa の 22 July 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は YOU South Africa の 22 July 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William
