Ahead of the Game

Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi on how goal setting, unflinching ambition, and being humble will take you further.

- By Kieran Legg

With his deft movements, blistering pace, and ability to pinpoint gaps in defenses, Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi has risen through the ranks at a breakneck pace. Not only was he recently named Young Player of the Year, but the rising star also scored a try in his debut for the Springboks.

On the surface, the distance between Fassi and his ambitions always seems to be incredibly short. However, even though he is raring to go, ready to realize his dream of securing a starting spot on the SA side's 15, his approach to the sport, to training, to life, in general, is scientific, methodical, and patient.

I think I'll never achieve my goals unless I'm consistent, he says. I'm thinking about the bigger picture, and that you can never get where you want to be without completing the small steps along the way.