Rachel Ndjondjo interviewed Portland Hearts of Pine player Walter Varela for Amjambo Africa.
Walter Varela arrived in the U.S. ten years ago, and today he plays for Portland Hearts of Pine, which is Maine’s professional soccer team.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to join the Hearts team?
I was on another team, and it was the assistant coach of that team who told the Hearts of Pine coach about me. He agreed to see me for a tryout. I had a first tryout, then a second. The coach liked my performance, and from then on, I was selected for that team. I’m proud and happy about that.
As an immigrant player, what were the main difficulties you encountered in your career?
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When I arrived, I barely spoke English, and communication was difficult. I worked hard to learn, and I eventually broke through that barrier. Today, I can express myself well, and it helps me tremendously.
What does it mean to you to represent a country where immigrants are not always treated with dignity?
It really upsets me. I see how immigrants are mistreated in this country, and it’s not fair. I arrived here with all my papers, but I understand those who leave Africa to seek refuge. We know what people endure there. Immigrants come here to protect their lives and those of their children. What is happening to them now is profoundly unjust.
Does the reality of life in the U.S. these days affect you personally or professionally?
Personally, I am not directly affected due to my current status. Emotionally, I am affected. I see relatives and friends suffer. Many immigrants live through extremely difficult situations, and it hurts me deeply.
Do you find that these challenges sometimes discourage you, or on the contrary, motivate you to work even harder?
No, it doesn’t discourage me, on the contrary. It encourages me to work even harder. I’m grateful to have had the chance to play in this country. Even though immigrants are going through difficult times, my motivation remains the same. I continue to give the best of myself, because I know that many would like to be in my place.
What are your dreams and goals for the future?
I want to keep improving, to excel even more. And above all, I want to achieve the dream of my brothers, who also wanted to play for professional clubs. Through my journey, I carry part of their hopes, and that pushes me to work even harder.
What message would you like to convey to young immigrants who aspire to become professional players?
I would tell them to believe in themselves, to never give up. Even though this country doesn’t always treat immigrants well, that shouldn’t deter them from pursuing their dreams. They should persevere, work hard, and never forget that with faith and determination, nothing is impossible.
