Former Ba goalkeeper Iosefo Vosaboto set himself a simple but powerful goal to become Fiji’s number one goalkeeper. Through hard work, belief, and sacrifice, he turned that dream into reality.
Born and raised in Nadrugu, Naloto in Ba, Vosaboto’s football journey began in 1980 during his primary school days at Naloto District School. By 1985, he was representing Xavier College in all age-grade competitions, driven by a love for the game that only grew stronger.
His breakthrough came in 1989 when he joined the Ba Secondary School team and Ba Youth. Just a year later, in 1990, he made his senior debut for Ba FC. Within three months, his talent was undeniable he was selected to represent both the Fiji U20 and Fiji Senior teams on a tour to the USA, serving as backup to legendary goalkeeper Tagi Vonolagi.
“This is a memorable moment in my football career,” Vosaboto recalled.
“Just three months into the Ba team and I was already in the national squad—it was a proud moment for me.”
Handling training with both the U20 and senior squads was no easy feat. But for Vosaboto, it all came down to dedication.
“It’s about sacrifice and believing in yourself,”. “I did my own training, I set my goal to become number one, and I achieved it.”
Vosaboto played a key role for Ba FC in the first ever Fiji FACT tournament in 1991, making crucial saves for the Men in Black. He remained Ba’s first-choice keeper through to 1995 until an unfortunate leg injury during the Battle of the Giants tournament in Labasa sidelined him for two years.
While recovering, he taught PEMAC at Khalsa College in Ba. He returned to competitive football in 1998 and later signed with Lautoka FC in 1999, playing until 2003. During that time, he captained Lautoka to two Fiji FACT titles in 2000 and 2002.
Vosaboto’s international career spanned over a decade, representing Fiji from 1991 to 2003 and touring many countries for international matches. He proudly notes he only ever played for two district teams Ba and Lautoka.
After hanging up his boots in 2003, he moved into coaching and development, serving with the Fiji Football Association from 2004 to 2020 as a goalkeeper coach, development officer, and coach educator. In mid-2020, he took on a new role with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where he continues to serve as a Youth Officer in Ba.
