Vodafone Fijian Under-17 reliable defender Kishan Sami is a survivor. The story of this Varadoli native from Ba hit the headlines last year when he sought permission from Fiji Football Association to leave camp to help his mum rebuild their house after it was totally destroyed by Cyclone Winston.

“My dad had passed away in 2005 and I’ve two brothers and one sister,” he told SUNsports yesterday.

“Now everything is okay at home.”

The experience has made Sami more determined as ever to do well as he wants to secure a better future for his family.

“I’m looking forward since this is my first overseas trip and I’m confident we will do well in the playoffs.”

Playing football is nothing new to Sami, as he is following the footsteps of his uncles, who were former Ba and national representatives Shiu Sami and Arjun Pillay.

Shiu who played left back had been the backbone of many of Ba’s victories while Pillay was renowned for his deadly left boot that became a nightmare for most goalkeepers in the country.

“After the playoffs in Tahiti, I’m hoping to secure a contract with an overseas club,” Sami added.

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj