Cape Town - New Sharks sensation, Aphelele Fassi, has had a storming start to the Currie Cup season.
Still just 20 years old, Fassi has taking the chance handed to him by the brains trust at the coastal province and quickly has become one of the stand out performers in this year's competition.
But Fassi insists he wants to keep learning from those around him.
“It’s been a great year for me so far, but one thing I keep telling myself is that I need to keep learning,” he said.
“With the likes of Sbu Nkosi being there, he’s someone I can learn a lot from. That’s the big thing, it’s all about learning and the position I’m in now is thanks to what I’ve learnt and I will be applying myself to learning even more.”
Fassi is greatful from all the support he is receiving from coaches and experienced players alike.
“I’ve been given all the support I need, the coaches have backed me and I am very grateful for all the opportunities they’ve given me,” said the youngster.
At home at both fullback and wing, Fassi knows that not only Nkosi but others such as Lwazi Mvovo are the perfect mentors.
“Players like Lwazi, as seniors, have guided me and I take every opportunity to learn from them and then applying that knowledge into my game.
“As a player, you want to improve every time you run onto the pitch and although I started off in the SuperSport Challenge earlier this year, Currie Cup isn’t too dissimilar and I’m happy with things. The physicality and speed of the two tournaments is pretty much the same.”
The Sharks are next in action on Saturday, home to the Lions at Kings Park.
Kick-off is at 17:15.