On Francois Du Plessis

After my African Musing from my previous post, I wanted to talk a bit more about my current reason for obsession. FRANCOIS DU PLESSIS. I know most of you'll will go "Who?". Believe till about a week back I was exactly the same.


Well, lets see what I know about him. Francois or 'Faf' as he is known by was born on 13th July, 1984 in Pretoria. H went to University of Pretoria and was selected for Lancashire which is quite a big county club in England. Peter Moores, ex- England coach, said he was the best fielder ever. But that's what I got over Google. So no biggie. He is still a relatively unknown name here in India and first came into the limelight during the IPL auction where he was selected for Chennai Super Kings over eminent cricketers like Brian Lara, Saurav Ganguly & even Graeme Swann.


But I actually came to know about him in during one of the World Cup matches - England v/s South Africa. I supported England and was thrilled when they won. But this guy sort of stuck with me. Clueless as to why that happened. But during the India v/s South Africa match, I was rooting for India but I was suddenly vaguely obsessed with this guy. I wonder why? He isn't the most audacious of batsmen, nor the best bowler around and he isn't That Good Looking. But he was stuck on my mind.. Maybe its lust.Maybe its obsession. Maybe its awe. Does it matter..??


Anyways needless to say, I am rapidly getting more and more obsessed with him ( In a non- stalker way)  and I like everything I'm getting to know of him. Call me crazy . Call me obsessed. Call me weird.I don't care. I like Faf. ( Love is too strong a word and its really not possible when you hardly know a person and all you do know is through the internet from secondary sources)

 I'm hoping I can meet him one day. Hopefully, its during the IPL and say something to him.No idea what but I'm sure whatever I do say on the spur of the moment, it should be quite OK.


As they say in Afrikaans ; Al die beste vir julle, Faf! Ek is jou grootste fan.
(All the best to you, Faf!! i'm your biggest fan)

On Going Afrikaan

I admit Im going through a slight "South Africa" obsession phase now. And I quite like it. It isnt quite as irrational and alarming as my love for everything English but is a bit more subtle and quite signifies my fondness for the Rainbow Nation.


It all started with the South African Cricket team and 2 of their players - AB De Villiers and Francois Du Plessis.


I shall come back to 'Faf' Du Plessis later on. AB De Villiers is known for his amazing fielding ability and his batting skills. Apparently he's also quite a talented singer. I cant get his song - Maak Jou Drome Waar( Make Your Dreams Come Through) out of my head. And the album which has 9 songs in Afrikaans and 5 in English is an absolute bundle of joy.

Well, as most of you may know , South Africa is one country which was plagued by a lot of apartheid which it seems to have recovered from now. It's such a beautiful country with its breathtaking views and cosmopolitan environment. And isnt there something just enchanting about Africa? The long forgotten continent which most of the time is synonymous with poverty and helplessness and war.Its nice to see South Africa like a beacon in the darkness ahead.

South Africa is the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian oceans and this is also a bit reflective on the country in a way I feel. Most of what I do know about the country is through books and through a few videos here and there.


Recently, I stumbled on this radio guy called Whackhead who is way too funny for his own good. This is an excerpt of him talking to Graeme Smith - South African Captain.

If you question the theme of my blog today, it is the growing awareness of Afrikaans as a language and in a macro view of it as a huge factor in Africa today. It is about understanding the amazing plethora of things African and hopefully growing more closer to a sense of being a global citizen in the world to day. 


I do hope I can vist South Africa someday. Go to Kruger National Park, or visit Pretoria and Joburg and the Cape.I'm sure it will be all fun and frolic with the Proteas. 


Hope dreams come soon fast...