HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - ZAIRE UGAPO

ZAIRE UGAPO

SAMOAN 

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE

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Please introduce yourself, your culture, and where you're from.

My name is Zaire Ugapo.  I am a full Samoan born and raised in Manurewa,  South Auckland. My Dad is from Saina Faleata, Solosolo and Toamua. My Mum is from Faleasiu, Vaivase, Samauga and Lefagaoali’i. They currently reside in Saina Faleata. 

What was your upbringing like in South Auckland, and how did sport first enter your life?

I grew up in Manurewa, attended Schools in the area and like most Polynesian kids, I spent a lot of time at church with my family.  Fortunately enough,  the schools I attended and my community encouraged sports and physical activity. I started playing club sport when I was 6 years old, I played soccer for Papakura City FC.

American football isn’t a typical path in Aotearoa — how did you get into it, and what drew you in?    

I was around 6 years old when my Dad and Uncle had their first season with the East Tamaki Lightning Football Club.  The football club has been part of our family ever since.  Initially, my Dad joined the club through a work friend to lose weight, so I’m super grateful my Dad found love for the sport and kept at it.

I didn’t start playing football till I was 15.  I think the art of football drew me in.  The preparation,  the team environment and it was another option other than Rugby.   Thank you to my uncle Wes Mana’o who coached me through it all - till I eventually went pro.

You’ve played in France, Germany, and the Czech Republic — what has that journey taught you about yourself?

The journey has been amazing thus far!  Being so far away from family and friends has definitely made me more independent,  more open minded to explore/travel and try new things.  I am very proud of where I am from, when people recognise our accent and ask “are you Samoan” “can you do the haka” it makes me extra proud our pacific island community is recognised! 

Being one of only two Kiwis in the European League — and maybe the only one from South Auckland — what does that mean to you?

In recent years,  there are more Polynesians athletes coming to the ELF.  The likes of Tyler Vaimaona (Hamilton),  EJ Lui (Mangere),  Jordan Scanlan (Brisbane) and my childhood friend Lance Leota (Manurewa).  It means a lot to us coming from similar backgrounds and sharing similar experiences as kids.  

We’re all proud Samoans and grateful to perform on the biggest stage of our profession in Europe.

We are all chasing a dream and it’s always special when we cross paths on this side of the world,  it’s a sense of home!

What kind of challenges have you faced getting to this level, and how did you push through them?

I went through so many challenges to get to where I am today.  From being unemployed and going out parting every weekend - to being homeless.  It’s been a roller coaster. God gave me a second chance and I knew I had to give it my all.

The constant support from my fiancé, family and friends always gets me through the rough times - I wouldn’t be anything without them.  Ultimately, my faith in God and praying for his guidance prepares me for any challenge. 

Do you feel a responsibility to represent where you're from — especially for other young Polynesians dreaming big?

Yes,  I think it’s very important to represent where you’re from anywhere you go!  I owe it to my grandparents, who migrated to New Zealand for better opportunities for their kids!

I also think it’s important because there’s most likely a kid out there who is going through the same struggles I did,  waiting for that one opportunity.  I hope I can inspire them to chase whatever dream they have and to give it their all.  

You owe it to yourself!  

What has this journey taught you about identity, sacrifice, and home?

I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself, especially the last 5 seasons in Europe.  Sacrifice has played a huge part,  I have sacrificed a lot of time being away from family and friends.  In return, I get to do what I love and travel the world.

I’ve learned that home isn’t just a place, you take home wherever you go whether it’s our manners and our respectful ways or giving every opportunity 100% because you’re grateful for the blessing.  Proud to be Samoan!

If you could speak to your younger self back in South Auckland, what would you say?

I’d tell him to not waste time and start chasing your dream now because tomorrow is never guaranteed!