The veteran was his country’s number one for a number of years and performed that role with great distinction but his last international match was in 2007 and he has now been superseded by several more youthful custodians.
He has started the new season in excellent form though, pulling off a string of fine stops as his Shepherds United team upset defending champions Amicale 2-0 in the opening round of the TVL Premier League last weekend.
Despite his advancing years, a few more notable performances may catch the eye of the national selectors and Chilia has made it clear he would not turn down a recall.
“If I get a chance to play for my country again, I’ll grab it with both hands,” he says.
“But I’m not too concerned about it, I’ll just keep on playing as well as I can for Shepherds United and, if the call comes, that would be fantastic.”
Chilia puts his longevity down to a healthy lifestyle and dedication to the cause.
“There is no great secret,” he says. “If you want to play for a long time then you cannot smoke cigarettes or drink a lot of alcohol. You must train hard, commit yourself fully to football and enjoy the beautiful game.”
One factor working against Chilia’s possible comeback to the international scene is that Vanuatu are not likely to be in action again for some months. Aside from FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns, international matches are few and far between for Pacific Island teams and, with Vanuatu already out of the running for Brazil 2014, the next regular run of games is likely not to take place until the build-up to the 2015 Pacific Games.
Chilia will be approaching his mid-forties by then and the national selectors are unlikely to turn to someone of that vintage, especially with exciting prospects like teenage sensation Seiloni Iaruel, who recently had a trial at English Premier League club Stoke City, waiting in the wings.
The elder statesman does have an impressive pedigree though and has performed heroics in a Vanuatu jersey in previous years.
Chilia had a particularly outstanding run at the 2004 OFC Nations Cup and was one of the standout players in Vanuatu’s shock 4-2 win over New Zealand at that tournament, one of the most memorable results in the football-mad country’s history.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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