Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has expressed his gratitude to his family and teammates, crediting them for their unwavering support during challenging times. Waranaivalu received the prestigious Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award, making history as the first Fijian footballer to win this honor at the Fiji Football Association’s award ceremony held at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka on Friday night.
The player from Naisomua, Tailevu, reflected on the difficulties he faced over the past two seasons, particularly dealing with injuries and weight issues. “I have been through a lot,” he commented, noting the struggles he encountered, including being sidelined at the start of the season. Despite these challenges, he remained determined to finish strong.
Waranaivalu shared that he spent significant time on the bench and played only a few minutes in certain matches but never lost hope. He focused on improving his fitness, especially addressing weight concerns. “Whenever I joined the national team, I was overweight, yet I maintained my belief in my ability,” he explained.
He emphasized the vital role his family plays in his career, stating, “They’ve always been by my side, supporting me, and this award is also for the entire team. Without them, I couldn’t have achieved this.” Waranaivalu highlighted the team’s resilience in overcoming financial challenges together, attributing his success to their collective spirit. He dedicated the award to his two sons, Richard and King David.
Earlier this month, he also won the player of the tournament award at the 2024 Police Inter Formation Championship in Nausori.