Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has dedicated his recent accolade to his family and teammates who have consistently supported him during challenging periods. Waranaivalu made history by becoming the first Fijian footballer to win the inaugural Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award at the Fiji Football Association’s awards night in Lautoka.
Hailing from Naisomua, Tailevu, Waranaivalu reflected on his tumultuous journey over the past two seasons, marked by injuries and weight challenges. “I have been through a lot,” he shared. “There have been many ups and downs, especially at the start of the season due to injury. However, I was determined to finish strong.”
Despite facing setbacks, such as limited playing time early in the season, he remained hopeful and focused on improving his fitness. “I worked hard on my diet after struggling with being overweight, particularly during national team selections. I always believed in my abilities,” he said.
Waranaivalu emphasized the importance of family support in his success. “My family has always been there for me, no matter where I play. This award belongs to the whole team too; without their support, I wouldn’t have achieved this. We have built a strong bond and faced many challenges together,” he added. He dedicated the award to his two sons, Richard and King David.
Earlier this month, Waranaivalu also earned the player of the tournament award at the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 in Nausori.