A dream debut turned into a historic moment for 20-year-old Clivert Sam, who scored on his first appearance for the Solomon Islands senior National Football Team in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Isuzu UTE A-League side Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.
The Green Shield FC midfielder told Star Sports that the experience has really exceeded his expectations.
“To be honest, it was more than I could ever have imagined. Wearing the senior national team uniform for the very first time and scoring on debut, it was like a dream,” he said.
“It means a lot to me, and it’s also a huge milestone for the country and my young football career.”
Sam gave the home side the lead in the closing stages of the first half, heading in an perfectly executed corner from Don Keana.
Although he came off midway through the second half, Sam said the match was a huge learning experience for him and his teammates.
“Playing against a professional team like Brisbane Roar is a huge learning curve. I learned a lot, especially about staying focused every second and how losing focus can be costly. I’ve also gained a lot of confidence,” he added.
Sam also highlighted the opportunity to train and play alongside senior players such as Atkin Kaua, Micah Lea’alafa, and Philip Mango.
“We have learned so much playing and training alongside our senior players. They have been an inspiration for us ever since we were kids, and we are learning from them every day,” he said.
With the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup just a month away, Sam is aiming to make the final squad and help the team reclaim the title.
He was also part of the Solomon Islands Development Team that participated in last year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Honiara.
“I really hope to make it into the final squad for the MSG Cup and to have many more chances to represent the country at the senior level,” he said, also thanking his family, friends, teammates, and coaches for their support.
Final traveling squads for both the men’s and women’s teams for this year’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with the introduction of the women’s competition.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
PHOTO CREDIT: ELTON LONARATHA
