Young stars need proper nurturing, Fassi says

Springbok backline player Apehele Fassi has called for better guidance and nurturing of Border talent.

Many talented schoolboys, Varsity Cup, Shield level and even franchise rugby players fail to reach their full potential.

Often when players move away from Border, they go to big sides and find themselves up against stiff competition while dealing with culture shocks and the pressure of relocating.

This eventually leads to players not developing and getting lost in the system.

To prevent this pattern of players vanishing in the system or having their progress stalled, Fassi says they should be given proper structures when they are still in the region.

He says they should be supported with a system to keep them going when frustrations set in.

Some of his mates may have fallen victim to the unwanted cycle.

The guidance Fassi suggests spans coaching, academics and personal growth.

“I know a lot of people, and I don’t blame them in terms of their careers coming short. At times it’s a lack of opportunities and guidance they’re supposed to have. That’s what we lack,” Fassi said.

“If the guidance is good when they’re here, when they leave then they must get proper guidance that side, and work hard.

“We have to nurture them and make the kids grow. We need to send them to better schools and make sure everything is done and they focus on both rugby and school work.

“Once they leave, we must place them in better situations and give them better opportunities in life and guide the person because they’re still too young to make life decisions.

“So guide, give kids opportunities and nurture them,” Fassi said.

Fassi went from Qonce’s Dale College to the Sharks in Durban after he matriculated in 2017, joining the academy and then being promoted to the first team.

His transition was made smooth by a core of Eastern Cape players including Lwazi Mvovo, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi, who were based at the Sharks.

It was also the case when he joined the Springboks, finding guys from the province who were able to guide him.

“What made it easier for me was having Eastern Cape guys there. It made it easier for me to go to a different set-up.

“Guys from Eastern Cape make it much easier to talk to when you have problems or when you want to do things. They will tell you about the culture and do's and don’ts,” Fassi said.

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