Scott Wara: finding his space in England

Oceania Football Center recently wrote an article about Terry Stephenson, a 17 years old defender from Papua New Guinea that is playing in England. However Papua New Guinea is not the only country from Oceania with a defender playing at youth level in England – Fiji also counts on a good and promising defender that already played for National Team: Scott Wara.

Wara is 20 years old and he is some steps ahead Stephenson. He is already part of Stoke City U23 squad and plays regularly in the U23 Premier League. The Fijian defender also had the opportunity to play at Senior level for Leek Town in English 6th tier during a one-month loan from Stoke City in 2018.

Wara received his first opportunity in Fiji National Team in 2018 after being scouted by Christophe Gamel who was Fiji’s head coach by that time. He made his debut on 5 September 2018, in a 1–1 draw against the Solomon Islands, appearing as a half-time substitute for Narendra Rao.

He did not play any other matches for Senior Team but he took part of Fijian squad that played 2019 OFC Olympic Qualifiers. Wara played all five matches and had a good performance in the tournament but he is remembered by his own-goal against New Zealand in the semi finals. He was a key player for Fiji to reach the fourth place in the competition.

Wara is being well treated by Stoke City and it would not be surprising if we see him making the next level in England soon by playing in a professional league there.