Vanuatu’s Azariah Soromon undergoes knee surgery in Australia after community support

Azariah Soromon, the dynamic Vanuatu international striker, has recently faced a significant setback in his promising football career. Known for his agility, skill, and goal-scoring prowess, Soromon suffered a devastating injury to his knee, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury not only put his career on hold but also posed a serious threat to his ability to return to the sport he loves.

Hailing from Vanuatu, Soromon’s journey in football has taken him across various leagues and countries, including stints in New Zealand and Fiji before finding himself in Australia’s NPL South Australia with the Western Strikers. Despite his talent and dedication, Soromon encountered a major obstacle when he realized that the healthcare resources in his home country were insufficient to address his injury.

Facing the daunting prospect of needing specialized surgery, Soromon turned to the football community for support. With limited options available in Vanuatu, he required private surgery in Australia, a costly endeavor beyond his means. However, the football community rallied around him, recognizing his talent and passion for the game. Through crowdfunding efforts and the collective support of fellow footballers, fans, and the Vanuatu Football Federation, Soromon was able to raise the necessary funds for his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

The successful surgery marked a crucial turning point in Soromon’s journey back to the pitch. While the road to recovery is going to be long and arduous, the unwavering support from those around him provided the motivation and encouragement he needed to persevere. Soromon underwent surgery this Wednesday (01st May), now he pushes himself to regain strength and mobility in his injured knee through the proper rehabilitation.

As he embarks on the road to recovery, Soromon remains grateful for the outpouring of support that has enabled him to pursue his dreams once again. With his sights set on returning to football action only on February 2025, Soromon’s story serves as a proof to the power of community and solidarity within the footballing world. Through collective efforts and unwavering support, Soromon’s dream of making a living from football has been preserved, paving the way for a triumphant comeback on the pitch.