At the age of 17 Melvin Mani has nothing else in his mind but today’s Vodafone Fiji FACT semifinal clash against Suva at Subrail Park, Labasa.

The promising Labasa player, who has been dubbed as the next ‘Roy Krishna’, remained humbled when asked of this.

“I cannot say that but maybe if I work hard and sacrifice a lot I can be like him (Roy), but I need to stay focused and be dedicated,” he said.

The Year 12 Labasa College student hails from Lekutu in Bua.

Mani said he wants to represent the Fijian senior men’s football team and be able to secure a contract overseas.

“But other than that I want to follow my father’s footsteps in joining the Fiji Police Force.”

Mani said he played for Labasa when he was 16-years-old.

He represented the Babasiga Lions at last year’s Battle of Giants and Interdistrict Championship, which they both won.

He indicated that veteran striker, Taniela Waqa, always inspire him to play to his best.

“I look up to Taniela Waqa, he is such a good player, he is always supportive and being the eldest one in the team he is always encouraging younger players like me,” he said.

Mani started playing football while at Saint Mary’s Primary School before joining Labasa College.

‘’It has been great with these boys, they guided me throughout this tournament, and I thank them for their encouragement and support.”

He has represented the Fijian Under-16, U17 and currently he is in the national U19 squad.

Mani will be coming off the bench in today’s semifinal.

He did that against Nasinu where he scored a goal.

“That was my first goal for the tournament and I dedicate it to my parents at home for their love and support. Now with all the pool games done, I look forward to the semi-finals,” Mani added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua