“I’ve travelled a lot in the past three years. Football has taken me all around the world,” he enthuses.
“We went to the Gold Coast two years ago then came here to Samoa for the OFC U-17 Preliminary. We qualified for the OFC U-17 Championship and went to Vanuatu.
“We didn’t progress at that stage but it was a good chance to experience the level in the reigon.
“Vanuatu was a good experience for me as it gave me a chance to learn a lot, take it home
and share it with my teammates back in the Cook Islands.
“It was a whole other level – the speed was faster, the technical skills way better but it’s learn as you go for us.”
Now the teenager is back in Samoa with a new goal in mind – qualifying for the OFC Champions League.
“It’s going to be hard,” he admits of the task lying ahead for his side.
“We’ve had a couple of training sessions together and we’re getting along well, learning each other’s plays and we will see how it goes once we get on the field.”
As one of the youngest members in coach Tuka Tisam’s line up, Aperau is relishing the opportunity to learn from some players with incredible pedigree like former Glasgow Rangers and Auckland City FC player Stu Kelly.
“They’ve been really good about helping us young ones out. We’ve been learning a lot about set plays and different technical systems.”
While for many teenagers, having a former Champions League winner in the team might seem intimidating, Aperau isn’t flustered.
“We all get along well, it’s not intimidating at all. Everyone’s tries to help us out and help us learn from our mistakes.”
With his first appearance in this competition looming against FC Samoan Korean Baptist Church, Aperau is ready get underway.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a whole different level to what I’m used to – it’s going to be fun.”

Share