Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has publicly dedicated his recent achievement to his family and teammates who have supported him during challenging times. He made history as the first Fijian footballer to receive the inaugural Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award at the Fiji Football Association’s awards ceremony held at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka.
Waranaivalu, originally from Naisomua in Tailevu, reflected on the tough journey he faced over the past two seasons, including struggles with injuries and weight management. He expressed, “I have been through a lot,” highlighting the numerous ups and downs he encountered.
Despite an injury at the season’s onset, Waranaivalu remained determined to complete the season. He mentioned sitting on the bench for several matches, where he played minimal minutes but maintained hope and commitment to improving his fitness, particularly focusing on his diet.
Acknowledging the unwavering support from his family, he stated, “They’ve always been by my side,” and emphasized that the award reflects the collective effort of his team, saying, “Without them, I couldn’t have got it.” He dedicated the award to his two sons, Richard and King David, noting the strong team spirit they fostered despite financial struggles.
Earlier this month, Waranaivalu also received the player of the tournament award at the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 in Nausori.