Am Q&A: The harder I work, the luckier I get

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Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am answers a variety of questions about how he has been coping during the lockdown period.

TRAINING

  • Have you needed to adapt your training and how are you keeping in shape?

Not really, it’s only a change of scenery. I’ve got most of what I need – some equipment and a cardio machine. Trying to stay in my in-season mode by doing as much as I can.

  • What shoes do you train in?

PUMA Speed 300, my best-ever trainers. Very comfortable and light. I recently signed a contract extension and have committed to the brand long term.

  • Have your club, manager, agent been checking in?

Yes! They are continuously checking on us, keeping everyone updated and assisting with medical advice.

MENTAL

  • How are you staying motivated and positive?

I’m remaining positive by ensuring that I comply with the regulations that have been provided by our President. By ensuring that I stay at home and find activities to keep me busy, such as exercising to keep fit. My strength comes from trusting that if we all work together during this time and each play our part, then we will conquer this virus.

  • What words or message do you live by when faced with challenges?

I believe that the harder I work, the luckier I get. So, I’m always willing to put in the time and effort to get to where I need to be. When things get challenging, I try to control the controllable and take on the challenges that come with uncertainty.

  • The past 12 months include winning the RWC final – can you share what this means to you in terms of your life goals?

I have always dreamed about representing my country. That dream was realised the day I got the opportunity to make my mark as a Springbok. It’s definitely meant a great deal to me to have achieved the goals I had set for myself. I definitely had to put in the work, time and effort to get to where I am today. To be a part of the winning RWC squad is the cherry on top.

  • You played in PUMA One boots in the RWC final – where are those boots now?

I keep the boots at home as a souvenir to remind me of the special time when we created history for our country.

  • Team work, standing together and supporting one another through the tough times is key to winning the RWC final. Do you think all of us can learn from this?

We can definitely work together as a country just as we do as teammates and support each other in order to achieve positive results. I believe that teamwork and effort will go a long way with helping us as a country to get through this tough time.

  • You are captaining the Sharks – what are your strengths as a captain?

My strength is applying discipline when it comes to all aspects of training and preparing myself and my team. During this time I have learnt to embrace the opportunity of applying my leadership skills and to enjoy and make the most of it.

DISTRACTIONS

  • Types of TV shows you enjoy?

I haven’t started any new habits; I’m just spending more time on my phone on social media, YouTube and music.

  • Tempted to do the toilet-roll challenge popular with footballers, or keen to challenge any of your teammates?

Yeah, there are quite a few challenges that have been going around but I normally leave it up to others and enjoy viewing them instead.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Hollywoodbets

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Juandre Joubert