Roy Inspired me: Vodowaqa
Young striker tells of his dream to play professional football.
The success of Roy Krishna in professional football has inspired one of our upcoming strikers.
Vodafone Fijian football striker Tito Vodowaqa told SUNsports yesterday that joining Frankston Pines FC in Melbourne, Australia, is a big step for him in fulfilling his dream.
The former Nadi rep made his mark in representing the Fijian Under-23 side in the Oceania championship.
Vodowaqa showed his class during the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa, where he scored eight goals and helped the national team win the bronze medal. The side was captained by Krishna and coached by Christophe Gamel.
The 20-year-old said, the opportunity to play at a State League Division 3 competition is the beginning of something big.
“When I started playing football my aim was to play professionally,” he said.
“It’s a blessing to be part of the Frankston Pines team because they’ve helped me develop and grow in football.
“It’s one step at a time for me, I will work hard and try to play in the A-League competition.” Vodowaqa said he looks up to his national football captain for inspiration. Krishna played for Wellington Phoenix in the ALeague before joining ATK in the Indian Super League last season. While playing at the A-League, Krishna was awarded the Johnny Warren Medal for his remarkable performances.
“If Roy Krishna can do it then I can be better than him,” Vodowaqa said.
He also indicated the need to make use of his chances since he is now playing in Australia.
“There’s not much at home in terms of developing talents and we all know that football in Fiji is moving at a very slow rate.
“I want to thank the coaching staff at Frankston Pine for giving me this opportunity to come and play for them.
“This is my first step to becoming a professional football player and I believe I’ll make it here because the club’s development programme is good and I really like it.
“This is what my fellow footballers back at home always wanted. To be part of a pathway that will turn us into professional players and play at top football competitions around the world.”
Vodowaqa said during the COVID-19 pandemic he has learned a lot of things.
“This on and off the field which I believe is part of being a professional player.
“I was taught the basics of football and the pattern that we play here so it is a learning curve for me.
“The coaches, players and fans have been very welcoming so we fitted in very well. So right now we are just trying to get our combinations together.”
Roy for ATK?
Meanwhile, an Indian media outlet The Bridge has reported that Krishna has committed his future with ATK-Mohun Bagan.
The reported stated that Krishna had signed a one-year deal initially with the Kolkata Giants last year, but on the back of his performances, ATK-Mohun Bagan were always keen on offering him an improved deal that would see the Fijian keep his role in Antonio Lopes Habas’ side. simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
Vodafone Fiji football striker Tito Vodowaqa joins Frankston Pines FC in Melbourne, Australia.