Bo Kaap star shooting his way up the ranks

"That is one of the greatest tries you will see from one of the greatest young talents on planet earth right now," said a commentator who summed up Haashim Pead's latest try at the U20 World Championship in Italy.

After sniping around the corner at a ruck, Pead raced down nearly half a field before sending the English defender the wrong way with a beautifully executed right-footed step and then ending off with a dash to the line for his second try of the match and fourth in this year's championship.

In an exclusive interview from the team hotel room on his 20th birthday, Saturday, July 5, he told GoalMouth: "I haven't really had the chance to think about it yet and I guess it hasn't sunk in just yet."

The boy, raised on Dorp Street, Bo Kaap, born into a rugby-loving family, said being a Springbok was a dream he believes he still needs to wake up from, but lives every day appreciating the moment.

"Not many people get to do what I do, and there are so many who want to be where I am. This is why I want to make the best of this opportunity and keep working hard," he said.

He scored two tries as the Junior Springboks seized control of Pool A with a 32–22 win, inflicting a rare defeat on defending champions England after going head-to-head at the Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo on Friday night.  

Haashim is a proud member of the Schotsche Kloof Walmers RFC, his local Bo-Kaap club, where he also watched his father, Shameeg, captain his side and lead them to a promotion.

His father, who is in London, said: "As a parent, you always want the best for your children and you want to protect them. We are very proud of him and will always be, no matter what."

As Haashim’s father and one of his strongest supporters, he said he dreads the day his son may have to face criticism.

"When everything goes well, then it's all fine, but I dread the day he plays badly and all the negativity that comes with it," Shameegh said.

He has always encouraged his son to remain humble and, most importantly, remember his religion.

"That is what I remind him about all the time, when we have our chats over the phone or in person, he has got to be a great ambassador for Islam and the greater coloured community," Shameeg said. 

But Haashim has a laser-like focus and is determined to do well with his opportunity given to him in the team.

"We are on a good run at the moment, and the team spirit is very good. We will definitely push and want to do even better," he said.

Haashim has already enjoyed a successful start of his career having started off at his boyhood club before making a name for himself in school rugby at Bishops, where he went on to represent Western Province at Craven Week level, right through the ranks. 

The rising star was recently snapped up by the Lions Rugby Union and also represented the Wits University at Varsity Cup level.

"My father always taught me to remain humble and remember where I come from. That is why I will always remember those important moments which played a pivotal part in my career," Haashim said.

With 10 points from two bonus-point wins in the pool phase, the Junior Boks will now be gearing up for a slightly tougher assignment in the final pool match against Scotland this coming Wednesday.

"We are focused and ready to go," Haashim said.