Seventeen-year-old Manasa Waisilagi is nurturing hopes of one day supporting and caring for his family through his burgeoning football career. Waisilagi made his debut for Fiji’s national team at just 15 years old, viewing the sport not merely as a passion but as a platform to realize his dreams.
With the recent launch of Fiji’s first professional football club by the Fiji Football Association, Waisilagi feels his aspirations are more tangible than ever. His journey now appears less of a distant ambition and more of a reachable goal.
Growing up in Ba, Waisilagi has experienced firsthand the transformative power of football. Training alongside notable figures such as Roy Krishna and Thomas Dunn during development sessions has significantly motivated him. “Seeing players from Fiji like Roy earning a lot of money playing at the international level has only inspired me more. I want to reach that stage so one day I can support my family,” Waisilagi expressed.
The young athlete has also participated in the Fiji Under-17 squad at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, an experience that has broadened his perspective on the unrealized potential for many young Fijians in the sport. Observing the commitment and success of established players has revealed to him the bright future that football can provide.
Waisilagi’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding young athletes of the opportunities that await them, reinforcing the idea that with dedication, dreams can be realized on the international stage. The excitement surrounding professional football in Fiji may very well shape a new generation of players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.