Faf: Through Fire

Product Information

Du Plessis assigns significant importance to the captain’s relationship with the head coach of the team. Another important team practice that Du Plessis held dear was the “no cell phone” policy for a half-hour after a game. If I wanted something from him besides cricket, it had to come from me, and I wasn’t comfortable with that being our dynamic. 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. He is considered to be one of the best fielders in the game and among the best all-format batsmen of his era.

As du Plessis wrote, “There are three words one should never forget or underestimate: Everybody needs love. he describes just one game of the T20 against England and doesn't mention the score or the other games in the series. In fact, some sections can be turned into self-help material on how to introspect, acknowledge, work on and overcome your flaws.He also reveals what really happens behind the scenes at sporting clubs/organisations – such as Cricket South Africa. It may appear as if Boucher lacks the warmth and soft skills to develop a relationship with Du Plessis.

Fascinating autobiography that taught me so much on the importance of soft skills in leading a team, as well as a growth mindset. It gives good insight to the behind the scenes and politics that we don't see on screen and dives into what it's like to not only play for the Proteas but what it's like to lead the Proteas during a rather difficult time in South African cricket and sports in general. All in all, 'Faf :Through Fire' is honest, insightful and, at times, vulnerable account of a man who defied all odds through hard work and determination. He also explores the destructive relationships, offering his perspective, in devastating detail, on his final years of international cricket. Although Du Plessis was not part of the team present at the camp, the ideas revolving around team culture would build the foundation for his career as a player and captain.It showed how team leadership, management, and environment are vital for the players, and provides a detailed perspective about it through his experiences.

Now to the book: Faf du Plessis has written a brilliant book in which he reflects on his career as a cricketer, primarily as a Proteas' player. Although the book gets a little repetitive at times and loses the grip, it was overall an interesting read, that keeps hooked till the end. However, Du Plessis clarifies that Boucher’s man-management style may have been different and incompatible with his own. The books is at times uncomfortable to plough through as it smacks of a bumbling self-absorbed child with a victim mentality.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. Being a huge cricket fan (as well as a huge Faf fan), I was excited to read and was presently surprised with this book.

His ability and willingness to engage in tough conversations is unusual and sets him apart as a leader. The emphasis, Du Plessis wrote, was on ensuring that players understood that their value to the team environment was beyond their performances on the cricket field. 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. For instance, Du Plessis found Pite van Biljon’s capping ceremony to be a “diluted affair,” compared to the rituals that took place during his captaincy.

AB opened the batting with Herschelle Gibbs, so there is every chance that neither of our openers slept much the night before, but I can only testify for AB.