Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has chosen to dedicate his prestigious award to his family and teammates, who have consistently supported him through challenging times. Waranaivalu made history by becoming the first Fijian footballer to receive the inaugural Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award during the Fiji Football Association’s award ceremony held at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka.
The native of Naisomua, Tailevu, reflected on his journey over the past two seasons, which has included significant struggles with injuries and weight issues. “I have faced numerous ups and downs,” he shared. “I suffered an injury at the beginning of the season, but that motivated me to persevere until the end.”
Despite frequently sitting on the bench and only playing limited minutes, Waranaivalu maintained his determination. He focused on improving his diet, acknowledging that he had struggled with being overweight during national team selections. “Even when I was not in the best shape, I believed in my potential,” he stated.
Waranaivalu emphasized the crucial role his family plays in his success, saying, “They have always been there for me, supporting my efforts, and this award reflects the hard work of the entire team. Without their assistance, achieving this honor would not have been possible. We have developed significantly as a team.”
He specifically dedicated the award to his two sons, Richard and King David, expressing gratitude for their inspiration. Earlier this month, Waranaivalu also received the player of the tournament accolade during the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 held in Nausori.