Faalavelave Matagi

In his role as Goalkeeping Development Officer with Football Federation Samoa (FFS), Matagi, who lives in Upolu, conducts weekly training sessions both in his local area and 80kms away in Savai’i, 

The goalkeeping sessions at Development Centre Programmes have seen 12 keepers taking part so far. 

The Development Centre Programme is an initiative which was rolled out by FFS earlier this year. It caters for kids between 8-16 years of age and helps them with technical development, match training and goalkeeping skills.  

But not even that would satisfy the ambitious 19-year-old.

“I don’t want to put limits on my dreams,” he says.

“I’d like to be the first Samoan to play in a major European league.

“Why couldn’t I become a goalkeeper for Real Madrid,” Matagi laughs.