MOVED by his love for rugby, everything is aligning for 18-year-old Irfaan Shah who is part of the Fiji National Rugby League under-18 extended squad preparing for a match against Tonga U18 next weekend.
Shah, from Namaqumaqua in Serua, took up rugby league through the influence of his friends.
Like many Fijian boys he fell in love with the sport and extra support from his family boosted his passion.
“It all started when I was a small child when I went with some of my Fijian guy friends and they pushed me to play the sport. I was small like around kindergarten,” he said.
His family particularly his mother has been supportive of his journey.
“My family, my mum really encouraged me to commit to the sport and do my best. She gave her consent so I could play in the school rugby team last year and that’s where coach Wise (Wise Kativerata) chose me from to be part of the Junior Bati this year.”
The tall, softspoken young lad only started playing competitive rugby league last year.
The year-12 tech-science student of Ratu Latianara College performed exceptionally well, impressing national head coach Wise Kativerata.
Kativerata reached out to his parents to extend the news of Shah’s inclusion in the Junior Bati squad.
“We were at home when my parents relayed the news, I was shocked, but I thank God for giving me the strength and the talent to play this sport,” Shah shared.
Like the other members of the squad, this is a step in the right direction as he aims to one day don the Bati jumper and represent Fiji in the international stage.
“This is the first time ever for me to join a national team. It means a lot and I can’t believe that I am here.”
Shah’s inspiration comes from none other then Viliame Kikau who like other aspiring league players, started from humble beginnings.
“I really look up to Viliame Kikau because he is strong,” he said.
Shah is excited for next Saturday’s match against Tonga U18 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The match will serve as a curtain raiser for the Kaiviti Silktails v Wests Tigers match.
