“A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.”
An influential quote attributed to theoretical physicist Albert Einstein has become a mantra for up-and-coming Fiji footballer Marika Rawasoi.
The 20-year-old Nadarivatu, Tavua local has been included in the Fiji national team training squad for the first time ever and is giving his all in training as the side prepares for its upcoming tour of the Philippines.
Rawasoi said any mistakes he makes in his football career, and in his life, become his inspiration to learn more, adding that learning is a never-ending process.
He said learning is a never-ending process.
“Mistakes do happen but I’m really grateful to have a very experienced coach in Christophe Gamel, who always corrects us when we make mistakes.
“If we do not make mistake, it means we have not done anything new and for me, mistakes become my inspiration to learn more.
“When we say there’s no end to learning, it is likewise applicable to football,” he said.
Joining a lot of experienced, more senior players has been a challenge for Rawasoi as he tries to impress the coach ahead of the naming of the travelling team.
“I feel good but it’s not an easy job because I have to prove myself among the senior players who have already been in the national squad.
“It’s a big responsibility because I’m still young and representing the country is something big for me.”
Marika started playing football as an eight-year-old and represented his schools, Tavua Primary School and Tavua College, in all grades.
However, he didn’t make the Tavua district team until he had been named in the national U-20 team for the OFC U-20 Championship in 2016.
“I didn’t represent any district. I was called into camp for national U-20 for the OFC qualifiers in Vanuatu and then from there, Tavua district officials approached me and I started playing for my home district.
“I knew I had this talent so I tried to make the maximum use of it.
“I remember very well that I made Tavua officials proud when I scored the winning goal against Vatukoula on my debut,” the young footballer recalled.
Rawasoi has been instrumental for Tavua on a number of occasions and counts a second half penalty that saved Tavua in the first leg of the Vodafone Senior League final against Seaqaqa as one of his career highlights so far.
He also assisted his former strike-partner Waisake Soga as the newcomers Tavua held eventual winners Lautoka during the Inter-District Championship last year.
Rawasoi is now playing for Nadi after making a move during the player transfer window earlier this year.