Samuela Navoce, affectionately known as Sam, is a promising young football player who will be representing the Digicel Fiji U20 national team as a defender in the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina. Born on July 22, 2003, Navoce hails from Tavualevu, Tavua, and has already made a name for himself in the football community.
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 78 kilograms, Navoce possesses the physical attributes necessary for a successful career as a Left Back. His skills and versatility make him a valuable asset to any team, capable of adapting to different situations on the field.
Navoce’s football journey began in the district of Ba, where he made his debut for the district team at a young age. He caught the attention of local newspapers eight years ago as a promising player, representing Ba at the U12 level. In the Fiji Primary Football Association School Inter-District Championship, Navoce left a significant impact. In the final match against Seaqaqa held in Labasa, he played a crucial role in Ba’s 3-1 victory. Navoce scored the second goal for Ba with a penalty kick in the second half, sealing the win with a decisive free-kick after Seaqaqa’s Bola Rafaele managed to reduce the deficit with a goal.
He continued his football career, progressing from a youth player to the premier division for Ba before briefly joining Suva FC last year and subsequently rejoining Ba FC at the start of this year.
Navoce’s outstanding performances caught the attention of national coaches, leading to his representation of Fiji in various age levels, including U16, U17, and U19. He also earned a silver medal for Natabua High School in the 2021 Lautoka Zone competition.
Navoce’s exceptional talent and dedication have now earned him a well-deserved spot in the prestigious Digicel Fiji U20 National World Cup squad, marking a significant milestone in his football career.
In terms of role models, Navoce looks up to Ilimotama Jese as his favorite local player, admiring Jese’s ability to read the game and provide strong support on the field as a formidable defender. Internationally, Navoce finds inspiration in Sergio Ramos, a renowned top-class defender known for his exceptional defensive techniques.
One of Navoce’s most cherished moments in football was when his team qualified for the U20 World Cup, a testament to his hard work and determination. However, he also experienced disappointment when his team lost to New Zealand in the final of the OFC U19 Championship in Tahiti, showcasing the ups and downs of a competitive sport.
When it comes to his toughest opponent, Navoce identifies Sairusi Nalaubu who plays for Lautoka FC as a formidable competitor, whose skills and tenacity consistently challenge Navoce and push him to improve his game further. As a senior player, Navoce offers some advice to aspiring young footballers: hard work is essential, and listening to parents is crucial for success.
Beyond football, Navoce enjoys socializing and singing during his leisure time. He has a diverse taste in music but particularly enjoys Fijian music. His favorite drink is frubu juice, and he savors the flavors of fish lolo with bele, a traditional Fijian dish.
Navoce draws inspiration from both his parents, who have been unwavering sources of support throughout his journey. His closest friend is Isikeli Seva, with whom he shares a strong bond. However, every team has its characters, and Navoce playfully mentions Nabil Begg as his most annoying teammate due to his mischievous nature.
Navoce acknowledges his weakness—sleeping is his worst habit. Nevertheless, his proudest football moment came when his team emerged victorious in the Semi-Final, defeating New Caledonia in the OFC U19 Championship in Tahiti last year. This victory showcased his team’s resilience and secured their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
In his role as a left-back, Navoce took up the position due to the scarcity of left-footed players in the team. His commitment to his team’s success is admirable, and he aims to play for his family, create upsets, and gain respect at the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023.
“I want to play for my families, create upsets and gain respect as well as make everyone proud.”
With Navoce’s exceptional skills, dedication, and determination, he is poised to make a significant impact in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
