Football has the power to unite crowds, people from different parts of the planet, of different beliefs, thoughts and ethnics. Football is the most popular sport in the world and we can count on many very good examples coming from it; the ultimate goal of Football should be always to inspire and unite people.
A very good example comes from Samoa; the 6-time capped international Vaalii Faalogo has certainly much to teach about life. Vaalii reached significant success in the sport in his home country, playing in OFC Nations Cup in his national team and representing Lupe o le Soaga, his club back in Samoa, in OFC Champions League campaigns. Faalogo captained the club in their last appearance in the competition in 2018.
In 2018 was the last time Vaalii played at the regional stage in the OFC Champions League – as the team he captained lost the national league to Kiwi FC which represented Samoa in the 2019 edition of the regional tournament.
Not qualifying for that editions of the OFC Champions League was not the saddest news for Vaalii and his teammates: the defender was diagnosed with cancer. The news shocked the staff and all people involved with Lupe o le Soaga as well all the football community in Samoa.
Vaalii then turned his focus for his treatments. As before, when he was focused to stop the opposition forwards, now he battled to prevent another enemy with the usual power he had when inside the pitch. The Samoan left for New Zealand in order to pursue his goal to avoid the new opponent to win.
After so many tackles inside the football field, Vaalii was there as usual tackling the disease and we can say he achieved the same success he from his experience in the sport. The now 36-year old is recovered and is slowly getting back to action. He took his time, never gave up and shown the spirit of a true warrior.
Vaalii is step-by-step getting back to football; his next goal is to help Lupe o le Soaga to qualify once again for the OFC Champions League group stage from outside the pitch – the former international will be assisting the head coach Paul Ualesi. Lupe will certainly have a big fight to come, but they will have a very good fighter in their side.
The challenge Vaalii and his team will have in Auckland is a very important milestone for the club and Samoan football. But, even without the kick-off of the tournament we can say we already have a champion; a champion of life, a champion that comes from Samoa that has a lot to teach.