Cecil Afrika thought injury in Hong Kong would ruin his career; now he returns for his 50th tournament
South Africa’s greatest points scorer is hoping to help his country end their barren record at the Hong Kong Sevens
Cecil Afrika’s record as South Africa’s greatest-ever points scorer suggests a career full only of finer things the game of rugby can bring but the strapping on his left knee tells the true story.
The 29-year-old has battled back from career-threatening injuries that have eaten significantly into his opportunities over the past decade – making his record of 1,204 points, and the fact that this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens marks his 50th tournament overall, even more impressive.
While the strapping was there at King’s Park on Tuesday as the South Africans blew the cobwebs away, the report after training from the man himself was that he was ready to roll.
Watch: Cecil Afrika set a South Africa scoring record
“I just so happy to make it to 50,” said Afrika. “There have been a lot of injuries and setbacks so I never thought I would be here but yet again here I am, and I am just so grateful to have the opportunity to get out there and enjoy doing what I love to do. I’m feeling fit again and the knee is feeling good. I am running well so I can just get out there this weekend and enjoy myself.
