Faialaga Afamasaga is still slowly taking it in.
Even two days after he became the only locally-based player to make the 27-man Manu Samoa squad to play the All Blacks next week, the midfielder from Fasito’o-tai and Vailu’u-tai is struggling to comprehend the enormity of the task ahead.
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With doubts hanging over Johnny Leota’s availability due to an injury he picked up on Tuesday, Faialaga could well start in the midfield against the All Blacks.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, he said he got the shock of his life when his name was called out by Team Manager, Namulauulu Sami Leota.
“I was just sitting there and when I heard my name, it took me by surprise,” he said.
“At the same time, I thought, yes! I’ve finally made it!”
For him, the chance to play for the Manu Samoa and against the All Blacks is a moment of a lifetime.
Afamasaga says he is humbled by the faith the selectors have shown in him and is quick to thank God for bringing him this far.
“I am so happy to be part of Manu Samoa. It’s a dream come true.”
After the lunch at The Orator Hotel where the Manu Samoa squad selection was announced, he immediately called his parents, Falepule and Masani who live at Fasito’o-tai.
“They were emotional.They advised me to make use of the opportunity, don’t show off and thank the Lord,” he recalled the conversation.“They also reminded me that I was not representing the family but Samoa.”
Afamasaga is the third of six children.
He has played three times for Samoa A, and in doing so he had hoped to crack the Manu Samoa team.
For him, getting picked is all about discipline in the game and in life.
“It’s about obeying your parents, respecting your elders, abiding by school rules, coming to training and listening to the coaches.
“That’s how I reached my dream of becoming a Manu Samoa.”
His parents have also played a pivotal role in his success.
They earn their living as subsistence farmers and live off the plantation and the sea. They have always reminded him of their struggle through life and the efforts to get him to where he is today.
The 26-year-old is happy.
But when it comes to discussing his feelings in making it to the squad, Afamasaga responds:
“No words can describe what I feel right now.”
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