Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu has been named the 2024 Footballer of the Year and dedicated his accolade to his late grandfather, Simione Mototabua, who recently passed away at the age of 80. The announcement came during a heartfelt ceremony in Nadi, where the Fiji Futsal, Beach Soccer, and full-code national representative expressed deep emotions regarding the honor.
During the event, Waranaivalu reflected on the significant influence his grandfather had on his life, sharing, “He always encouraged me to give my best in everything I do and to remain humble and disciplined.” He conveyed a sense of loss, wishing his grandfather could have been present to witness this milestone in his career, but found comfort in believing that his grandfather was watching over him and would be proud.
At 29 years old, Waranaivalu triumphed over notable contenders including Thomas Dunn from Navua and Merrill Nand from Suva to receive the prestigious award. The recognition not only highlights his talent but also his dedication to the sport.
This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the impact loved ones have on our journeys and achievements. Waranaivalu’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience and the power of support from family, echoing a message of hope and motivation for both athletes and fans alike. His full story is set to be featured in FijiLive later this week.
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