Moorpark College forward,Joshua Saffa, is not only an exceptional soccer player, but an intriguing human being, who is from West African country from Sierra Leone.

Saffa began playing soccer at age 11, but it wasn’t always the sport he desired to play. Before he played soccer his desire was to play basketball.

“A couple of Medical aid workers from California traveled to my beloved Country Sierra Leone for a mission trip and every year they brought a Lakers Jersey or T-shirt,” said Saffa. “I slowly started following and falling in love with Basketball, and one of my favorite basketball idols were Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neil who were famous for the Los Angeles Lakers then.”

In Sierra Leone, soccer is one of the more popular sports, and the only sport offered in high school. When Saffa got to high school, he began to really pursue the sport.

“When I made it to high school and soccer was the only sport big boys in high school played,” Saffa said. “Since I wanted to be a big boy in high school and it was the most popular sport and watched by adults, I decided to start playing the sport and I really enjoyed it the more I played it.”

He said he came to Moorpark College because of its international student program. Maureen Rauchfuss, Principal Designated School Official, helped him assimiliate.

“She helped me to be accepted to the Moorpark College Family and have the opportunity of coming to the states and furthering my education.”

Saffa’s soccer teammates say has made an impact on the team.

“Joshua has a great attitude,” said Moorpark College’s goal keeper Luis Monory. “His positiveness inspires other players with motivation.”

After Saffa finishes at Moorpark College, he said he is considering several career choices, including becoming a preacher, sports analyst or professional soccer player, or a computer networking administrator.

But his long-term goal is to return to his country and seek the higest political office.

“In the long run, God willing,” Saffa said, “I will run for presidency in my country, taking what I have learned in the United States and with my God giving skills, and abilities of mine such as, leadership, and interactive skills and wisdom to make tougher decisions, humility and hard work, love, care, the heart to be patient.”