Manu Samoa 7s Co-Captain Relishes Recuperation Period
Manu Samoa Seven's co-captain and play maker Meilani Matavao
Photo: Eyespy Radio
Manu Samoa Seven's co-captain and playmaker Meilani Matavao is enjoying time off from competition as he recuperates after sustaining multiple concussions from previous sevens tournaments he played in.
Eyespy Radio caught up with the co-skipper at the Matautu Harbor enjoying quality time paddling with some of his mates and members of Alo Paopao Academy on Friday (16th December 2022) morning.
Meilani conveyed that he loves it when gets the opportunity to experience a different sport other than rugby.
"Paddling is fun, and also useful as it trains your triceps and upper body. And as a rugby player, you need a strong upper body to be able to fend off defenders and wouldbe tacklers."
"I've been concussed about five times this year," he said. "The last concussion I sustained was during the Hong Kong tournament a few weeks ago. When we returned home after Hong Kong, I remember we were conducting a training session at the Tuanaimato Soccer Grounds and suddenly I felt a little dizzy and a bit lightheaded throughout the whole session," stated Meilani.
"Head Coach Muliagatele knew that I was not fit to continue playing for the remainder of this year, which is the reason why I've taken a break during the Cape Town leg. Hopefully when the Hamilton leg of the World Sevens Series kicks off next year in February I would have already fully recovered by then and be 100% ready to run on the pitch again."
When asked about some of the recent changes in the team that has led to their success at the Cape Town Sevens last weekend, the player said, "I believe the group we now have have a very close bond and a great spirit of camaraderie."
"Plus Muliagatele has also brought us back to our heritage and culture which is closely intertwined with God and our religion. We have our "faigalotu" before and after training, and also right before and after a game. And I think that is one of the reasons why there's been a major improvement in the squad."
"Also the boys are playing for each other, and covering each other's backs during a match," stated Meilani.