Tevita Waranaivalu, a midfielder for Rewa football, has dedicated his prestigious award to his family and teammates who supported him during challenging times. Waranaivalu made history by becoming the first Fijian footballer to receive the Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award at the Fiji Football Association’s award night held at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka on Friday.
Hailing from Naisomua, Tailevu, Waranaivalu reflected on the difficulties he faced over the past two seasons, particularly dealing with injuries and weight challenges. “I have been through a lot,” he expressed, acknowledging the rollercoaster journey he experienced.
He faced significant obstacles, including an injury that plagued him at the beginning of the season, but his determination drove him to continue. “I was often on the bench, playing just a few minutes, but I never lost hope. I focused on my diet, especially since I had been overweight,” he stated.
Waranaivalu noted that his family provided unwavering support no matter where he played. “They’ve always been by my side, and this award is also for the whole team. Without them, I couldn’t have achieved this. We’ve grown together as a team,” he said, emphasizing the strong team spirit that propelled him forward. He dedicated the award to his two sons, Richard and King David.
In addition to this accolade, Waranaivalu recently won the player of the tournament award at the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 held in Nausori earlier this month.