Slowly but surely Silao Malo, son of national team coach Malo Vaga, is doing just that, making a name for himself both domestically and abroad with the full support of his father.
The 22-year-old has benefited from his father’s expertise and support making his debut for the Samoa U-20 side in 2007, before going on to appear with the senior side in 2011 and at the 2012 OFC Nations Cup.
“I grew up in a sport family. My dad was the head coach for Samoa’s national team – I was born with football,” Malo says.
“My dad is my role model,” he says.
“He wasn’t the loud mouth at sports matches proving himself to all of his peers – he was the guy after the game telling me what a wonderful player I was.
“He was the guy driving me to play and telling me how wonderful I was. I wasn’t always wonderful – but I sure felt like it,” he recalls of his early days in football.
Playing for local league champions Kiwi FC back in 2012 at the OFC Champions League Preliminary in Tonga the young midfielder caught the eye of a scout. This earned him a contract to play in the New Zealand domestic league with Stop Out, a club based in Wellington.
Malo says while school wasn’t really his thing, he’s pleased he’s been able to play football and give back to his family while working towards his dream.
“Mentally, I’m not good in school, but I’m passionate about football. Having the opportunity to play for Stop Out means I have been able to help out with our family obligations,” Malo says.
“I love football. And I believe winners need to feel recognised and losers need to know what that feels like to help with motivation and with humility.
“My dream is to become a professional football player and I am building my way up there.”
Malo is currently back in Samoa and is using the break from the New Zealand football season to contribute to the game back home. As well as joining in with Vaimoso in the FFS National League 2013-14 season the midfielder has followed in his father’s footsteps off the field, volunteering for the Football Federation Samoa.
“I encourage other youth to use their talent wisely and I know that you can achieve and get to where I am today if you are faithful and committed to what you are doing.”
It also helps to have the support of your family – and Malo gets plenty of that from his father.
“Not matter what I do in life, I know my dad is my biggest supporter.”
Malo will return to New Zealand in January 2014.
For more on Samoan football go to www.footballsamoa.ws

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