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Faf: Through Fire

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Du Plessis would feel this way when he made his international debut for South Africa in January 2011, shortly after an important culture camp held at Hennops River in Centurion. After being hailed as a child prodigy in school cricket, Du Plessis’ road to becoming an international cricketer in January 2011 was long-winded, unlike his schoolmate and friend, AB de Villiers, who made his international debut in December 2004. Inspired by Graeme Smith’s captaincy, Du Plessis asked players who knew the debutant closely to speak about the player. The episode left a sour taste in Du Plessis’ mouth, but it was a valuable lesson he learned early in his career, which ensured that he would strive to make young players entering the team environment feel like they are valued members of the setup.

Despite the challenges in Du Plessis’ childhood with respect to his parents’ dynamic, his father instilled the discipline and mental toughness that allowed him to successfully navigate the hurdles he faced throughout his professional career. I can appreciate the light it sheds on the ineptitude of South African cricket management and administration as well as the difficulties this in turn creates. Instead, it left Du Plessis feeling insecure about his position in the team by the end of Boucher’s first series as coach. For the team to be accepted by 60 million South Africans as the national team, cross-cultural integration would be vitally important. It took him years to connect with this side of himself but, when he did, it shaped his relationships with people and ultimately his captaincy of the Proteas.Du Plessis adds, “I couldn’t expect Mark to prioritise soft skills and relationships in the way I did.

There is the public persona-the tattooed, fashion-conscious, mentally tough, immensely popular and yet, at times, misunderstood Du Plessis.Both, Domingo and Gibson, invested in their relationship with du Plessis and bought into the team culture that he was trying to create. A very bravely written book, where Faf ushers the readers to a detailed narrative of his life's journey so far. It doesn't get too much into technicalities and that's why it was way more enjoyable than I had expected. Du Plessis was also grateful for his mother’s tenderness and sensitivity that balanced his father’s strict and uncompromising approach to raising him.

Although these are recurring themes in the book, Du Plessis’ ability to reflect honestly on his experiences stands out. Fascinating autobiography that taught me so much on the importance of soft skills in leading a team, as well as a growth mindset. the tattooed, fashion-conscious, mentally tough, immensely popular and yet, at times, misunderstood Du Plessis.

Also, the recipient is thrilled and completely surprised that I was able to get a hold of this book. An interesting and worthwhile read, Faf telling his story from childhood to 2021 with all the details in a very personal fashion. I likely would not recommend this book as the interest surrounding the back of house ongoings isn’t worth the self-promoting arrogance of the man-child himself. It showed how team leadership, management, and environment are vital for the players, and provides a detailed perspective about it through his experiences. In trademark Du Plessis humour, he describes a gathering organized by De Villiers on the eve of a Test match against England in January 2005 in which he scored 92 and 109.

This was a really good book, but a tough read as there is a lot of repetition and some of the details behind events can become a bit exhaustive. He reflects on how influential leaders such as Gary Kirsten, Stephen Fleming, Doc Moosajee, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Owen Eastwood, Russell Domingo, Ottis Gibson and MS Dhoni helped mould him as a man who leads with grit, purpose and a love of people. Numerous insights and critiques into the organisational structure and running of Cricket South Africa as well from a former Proteas captain who has all the credentials required for assessing such things.This brutally honest, fascinating, introspective work provides a unique insight into the mind and heart of one of South Africa's most interesting and charismatic cricketers.

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