For Vilisi Misimisi of Vagadra village in Nadroga, witnessing her daughter Josivini Naihamu excel on the world stage has been nothing short of a profound blessing. Speaking with emotion at Nadi International Airport as the Vodafone Fijiana XV returned from their journey at the Rugby World Cup, Misimisi was enveloped in pride and gratitude.
Reflecting on the moments leading up to Naihamu’s matches, Misimisi recalled offering words of encouragement to her daughter before her first game against Canada. “I told her the God we pray to is a big God and that he will guide her through. I reminded her not to be afraid because God is always with her,” she shared. However, following Naihamu’s matches posed its own challenges, as the family did not own a television. For Naihamu’s first two games, Misimisi sought the hospitality of neighbors in Vagadra to watch Live broadcasts.
Remarkably, during the match against Wales, which became a stirring victory for Fiji, Naihamu scored two pivotal tries. Misimisi’s cheers of joy rung through the air as she watched her daughter’s contributions lead to a thrilling 28-25 triumph. These tries were instrumental in closing Fiji’s campaign on a high note, and Misimisi expressed immense gratitude for her daughter’s talent and achievements.
Josivini’s journey from the small village of Vagadra to the international rugby stage is a heartening story of faith, perseverance, and relentless family support. Her story resonates with themes of dedication and the profound influence of familial backing, serving as a reminder of the power that love and faith can have in steering success.
The story finds echoes in the experiences of various other athletes such as Bulou Seraseini Vasuturaga, who balances motherhood and a prolific rugby career, and Meleama Tumalevu, who channels the memory of her late mother into sporting determination. These narratives collectively demonstrate the vibrant spirit and resilience present in the Fijian community. Each journey, marked by unique challenges and triumphs, underscores the importance of faith, familial support, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.
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