Goals For Dad
■ Joseph promises a special for a special fan in the stands ■ Olympic qualifier a pathway, Roy Krishna shows Fijians the way
Family and country inspire Vodafone Fijian Under-23 rising midfielder Patrick Joseph to be the best version of himself while representing Fiji in the sport. And he has a promised a special show for a special fan in the stands in the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifier semifinal against New Zealand at Churchill Park, Lautoka today. Coach Marika Rodu banks on Joseph, who holds the Vodafone Fiji FACT 2019 player of the tournament award for his performances for Nadi FC, to play another lead role. The humble and soft-spoken 21-year-old has distinguished himself as the most prolific finisher. “I couldn’t be with the team for some weeks after my father passed away. So I trained alone to maintain the level needed, and every game I played I did my best, scoring goals too and I’m looking forward to the semi-finals to do my best, ”he told OFC Media.
“Every goal I score I always dedicate them to him, if he was still here, he would have come and watch my games and I will do my best for the country and him.
“I know he will be watching from the stands.”
Since the very beginning, family has always been at the centre of Joseph’s football journey.
“Back in primary school and every school I went I found football because I was interested in it. And also my brother was a player as well and I’ve learned a lot of things from him, but he couldn’t make it so I’m doing my best for both of us.”
A proud Fijian, Joseph believes there is a genuine pathway for real talent from the Pacific Islands, and he singles out Fiji’s greatest football import Roy Krishna as inspiration. “We were together at the Pacific Games and he showed us a lot of things.
“He showed that anyone can be like him, it’s possible, we’ve learned a lot of things from him and I want to be like him one day,” Joseph added.
Ahead of his side’s tough semifinal against New Zealand, Joseph is maintaining his positive outlook.
“I want to go and play overseas, I’d love to join a good club, I’m working hard for it, and I know I will, I’ll do my best.
“Olympic qualification would be a dream, and I’m really working hard for it, it would be a good experience and I’d really love to go and play there.
“We are all ready and we are looking forward to it, we know New Zealand are a good side, but we will do our best for our country because it is our home ground, and we will do our best.”
Fiji play New Zealand at 12pm while Solomon Islands take on Vanuatu at 3pm