Seventeen-year-old Manasa Waisilagi is fueled by the ambition of one day providing for his family through a successful football career. Having made his debut for Fiji’s national team at the age of 15, Waisilagi views football not just as a hobby, but as a significant pathway to achieving his dreams.
The recent establishment of Fiji’s first professional football club by the Fiji Football Association has invigorated Waisilagi’s hopes, making his aspirations feel more attainable than ever before. His dream seems to transform from a distant wish into a concrete plan.
Hailing from Ba, Waisilagi understands the life-changing potential that football holds. Training alongside renowned players like Roy Krishna and Thomas Dunn during developmental sessions has been a tremendous source of motivation. He remarked, “Seeing players from Fiji like Roy earning substantial sums at the international level has only inspired me more. I want to reach that stage so one day I can support my family.”
Waisilagi has also represented the Fiji Under-17 squad at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, an experience that broadened his understanding of the untapped potential for many young Fijians in the sport. Watching the dedication and achievements of established players has illuminated the promising future that football can offer.
The young athlete’s journey is not only inspirational but serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring sportsmen. It underscores the notion that with commitment and perseverance, dreams can be transformed into reality on the international stage. The burgeoning professional football environment in Fiji has the potential to inspire a new generation of players eager to follow Waisilagi’s lead.