Teen wants to become next Faosiliva

By Ilia L. Likou 24 September 2017, 12:00AM

Dream big and aim high. That is the life goal of Ranj Ifo from the village of Tuana’i.

The 17-year-old is a student at Wesley College. Ranj told the Village Voice he is reaching for the stars and his ultimate dream is becoming the next Aalafoti Faosiliva.

“To be honest, I love rugby and Alafoti is one of the many players that I do like because of his skills and the way he plays and I know I can do it,” Ranj said.

“Alafoti is also from here (Tuana’i) and he’s my role model ever since I was young. “I’m certain that most of the young boys dream – is to wear the Manu’s jersey.” 

“And I am one of those boys, I want to represent our beloved Samoa in rugby and I want to represent my family, village and the district as well.” 

Ranj said some of his friends of prefer rugby over education. 

“I think that can be right because we all need physical strength more than mental strength.”

“Not only that but it help us to stay fit and but also remain healthy,” he said. 

He understands that rugby also provide an opportunity to see the world and make money. 

“Playing rugby is the first priority to many young boys, especially the competitive side of it.”  

“As I’ve mentioned earlier when you are good in rugby, no one can take your place and you will succeed in life.” 

However, Ranj strongly believes that education and sport must go together. “Both rugby and education are important,” said Ranj. “For example, rugby offers a form of social learning that studies can’t provide, on the other hand, studies provide a different enrichment towards thought and the mind.”

“So we all need and require physical and mental enrichment to keep us going in life.”

“Personally, we must have that balance in life and in order to seek what the world has to offer,” he told the Village Voice. 

As for his dream of becoming a rugby player, the College Student believes that studying hard and prayers will do the job for him.

“You know education is the key to anything in life, and education is everything and I know it’s not easy but I will try best to do well in both.”

“I need to study hard to understand rugby and other sports.”

 “In most school like my one, we (students) need to study hard before any sports and that’s good to my understanding.”

“So to be perfect I need both physical and mental strength. “That’s my plan for this year - to keep working hard and pray to God to guide me.”

By Ilia L. Likou 24 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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