Sakiusa Saqiri, popularly known as “Motopai,” is a promising footballer from Fiji who will be representing his country at the FIFA U20 World Cup. Born on November 6, 2003, Saqiri is a talented left midfielder who hails from Toge, Ba and stands at a height of 174cm, weighing 63kg. He currently plays for the Tavua district and made his debut for the Tavua team.
Saqiri’s journey in football has been eventful, and he has had both memorable and challenging moments. One of his best moments was being selected as part of the final 23-member squad for the Digicel Fiji U20 National team to compete in the FIFA U20 World Cup. This achievement is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
However, Saqiri also experienced a setback when he suffered an injury during a match, which ruled him out for several weeks. Despite this setback, he remained resilient and worked hard to get back on the field.
In terms of role models, Saqiri looks up to Malakai Tiwa, a local player, for his creative playmaking abilities, composed mindset, and ability to score unpredictable goals. Internationally, he admires Kylian Mbappe for his exceptional 1v1 attacking skills, composure in front of goal, and lightning-fast speed.
Outside of football, Saqiri enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends. He is passionate about gospel music, which he enjoys singing, and also plays the guitar. His favorite drink is coconut water, and he relishes his mother’s cooking.
When asked about his advice for young footballers, Saqiri emphasizes the importance of hard work, prioritizing God in all endeavors, and believing in oneself. He attributes his inspiration to his parents, who have been a guiding force in his life.
Among his teammates, Saqiri’s closest friend is Penisoni Tirau, while he finds Nabil Begg to be the most annoying due to his excessive talking and attitude problems. Additionally, Saqiri admits to having the habit of eating unhealthy food, which he considers his worst habit.
Looking ahead to the FIFA U20 World Cup, Saqiri aims to make his nation proud by delivering strong performances on the field. He aspires to score a goal during the tournament and hopes to help Fiji qualify for the final knockout stages.
Saqiri’s preferred position as a left midfielder is driven by his love for utilizing his speed along the sidelines to increase the pace of the game. He enjoys being involved in the action and making an impact from the outer side of the field.
“With my speed capabilities, I thrive on the sidelines. I enjoy playing in this position and I feel that I have grown and improved a lot as a player during the last few months while at camp with the national team. ”
Assistant coach Ronil Lal, said Saqiri is a hard worker and his speed is an asset for the team.
“He is fast and agile and he is constantly infusing the game with an exhilarating fast-paced dynamic which boosts the team pace and style of play. He relishes the opportunity to dominate the outer reaches of the field, constantly seeking to be in possession of the ball.”
As Sakiusa Saqiri prepares to represent Fiji on the global stage, his determination, skills, and passion for the game make him an exciting prospect. Fijian football fans eagerly anticipate his performances at the FIFA U20 World Cup, and his journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring footballers across the nation.
