Cruz Menapi was invited to attend the FIFA World Cup Trophy brief stopover in Honiara and I he told Sunday Sports he is inspired by his father to play football.
Cruz is the elder son of Solomon Islands legend, late Commins Menapi who passed away last year.
He was among the fortunate VIPs to witness the official FIFA World Cup Trophy in close proximity at the Henderson International Airport on Thursday.
OFC describes his picture with FIFA World Cup winner Christian Karembeu with upper cases of ‘LEGACY’.
“LEGACY | Seeing the FIFA World Cup Trophy is an incredible experience for any aspiring footballer.
“Here’s Cruz Menapi, the son of former Solomon Islands international footballer Commins, meeting World Cup winner and Oceania legend Christian Karembeu and getting an up close and personal glimpse of the trophy.
“Cruz Menapi – a name to keep an eye on in the future?” OFC stated.
The man who spotted his father, former Marist coach Patrick Miniti said the young lad join his Marist FC Academy.
“I used to take him with other kids in the Marist FC Academy but as he grew abit older, he did not turn up to our sessions but i think he would be motivated to play soccer later,” Miniti said.
Cruz is now 12-year-old and local football fans should keep an eye on him.
By SIMON ABANA
