That his mother were still here to witness his success.
Mere Tanoa passed away in 2015 when Hughes and his teammates were preparing for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Even to this day the loss continues to leave a large gap in his life.
“I missed my mum during the FIFA U-20 World Cup and I wish she was still alive to see all my achievements,” he said.
“But at least I know she will be looking down from heaven and smiling and I personally feel that she helps me spiritually every time I take to the field.”
The Dreteki native said he is honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to once again represent Fiji on the world stage, and to become an Olympian.
“It is every player’s dream to play in an atmosphere like the Olympics and making our first appearance will be soemthing we are looking forward to and will remember forever.”
Hughes says he is more than ready to rub shoulders against the world’s best footballers and especially against defending champions Mexico.
“I will do my best in any match I am givent eh opportunity to play in, and I will try to score a goal agianst other champion sides.”
An ambitious objective, but Hughes knows all about being the underdog and overcoming the odds, and believes Fiji can repeat this feat in Rio.
“We have trained well and our focus is now on the Olympics. We are confident of causing an upset just like we did in New Zealand when we beat Honduras.”
The Fiji U-23 squad leaves for Brazil today, with their first match scheduled for 4 August against Korea Republic.
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