Cassiem: A remarkable rise
While at the Pumas in 2014, he was handed a piece of paper to answer certain questions. One question asked: ‘What are your goals for the next five years?’
These goals included becoming a Super Rugby player, winning the Currie Cup and being selected for the Springboks – all of which he achieved within the space of 11 months.
"I believed I could achieve those goals, but I would never have thought that I would achieve it within the space of a year," Cassiem told rugby365.
He headed into the 2016 season with one certainty, that he would be representing Griquas in the Currie Cup Qualifying tournament, after joining them from the Pumas – where he spent four seasons.
Little did he know what the next 11 months had in store as he charged through the ranks with meteoric proportions.
Growing up in the picturesque town of Strand, along the Indian Ocean coastline of the Western Cape, Cassiem spent all his age-group playing career at Strand High – playing for the enjoyment and passion of the game.
His father introduced him to the game during the 1995 World Cup, but his interest was elsewhere – in soccer and cricket. It was only once he reached grade 5 in 2000 that he was asked to participate in the sport he now calls a career.
Upon matriculating, he represented Strand United at club level for a season, which saw him being invited into the Western Province Disas setup. A move to Belhar RFC in 2010 spelt the beginning of a flourishing career.
"When I joined Belhar, I got roped in by the WP amateur team and then at the end of that year [2010], Deon Davids approached me and told me about the new Varsity Shield competition and asked me to join UWC for that competition.
"After the Shield competition, I went to the Lions. While I was there, I went on a three-week stint at the Falcons, before moving to the Pumas where I spent three and a half years. I signed for Griquas at the start of 2016.
"I attended the Cheetahs' pre-season training and while I was there, coach Franco [Smith] saw something in me and he spoke to me to say they [the Cheetahs] wanted me for the remainder of the year," he added.
That is when his meteoric rise through the ranks started to gather some steam.
"I was just hoping to make my Super Rugby debut as a result of an injury [to someone] or some luck and now I stand with 15 Super Rugby caps and 10 Currie Cup games [for the Cheetahs], winning that [the Currie Cup] and making Springbok debut," he stated.
His season with the Cheetahs could not have gone any better as not only did he make his Super Rugby debut, but also became a regular in the starting XV, scoring six tries throughout the competition. And then came the Currie Cup competition, where he put in a man of the match performance to help them claim the ultimate prize.
"The feeling [of Springbok selection] is difficult to describe but at that moment, it was in the week of the Currie Cup Final, so I kept the emotions inside until after the Final, when it all really kicked in," he explained.
Cassiem was initially selected into the Springbok squad for the match against the Barbarians on November 5, but was an unused substitute and headed back home. However, he soon got the call to return to Europe when Roelof Smit suffered an injury.
The 26-year-old took his chance with both hands by putting in a performance worthy of selection, making some crucial tackles and stopping the threatening Wales backs from gaining momentum.
Despite his performance and achievements, he puts his success down to one thing – the confidence instilled in him while at the Cheetahs.
"The biggest asset that any player can have is having a coach that gives you confidence and puts his trust in you. I can personally relate to this because Franco [Smith] gave me the confidence and trust to just play the game I want to play.
"I think that is really the biggest boost a player can get from a coach," he said.
Cassiem has just one goal for the upcoming season and that is to continue to add value in whichever way he can.
By Tauriq Ebrahim
@Tauriq365
@rugby365com
