Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has dedicated his recent accolade to his family and teammates, who have supported him through challenging times. 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 award night, held at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka.
The native of Naisomua, Tailevu, acknowledged the challenges he faced over the past two seasons, particularly dealing with injuries and weight issues. “I have been through a lot,” he remarked, reflecting on the highs and lows of his career. He suffered an injury at the beginning of the season but pushed through to finish strong.
Despite spending time on the bench and playing only a few minutes in some matches, Waranaivalu never lost hope and worked diligently on his fitness, especially addressing his weight concerns. “I believed in myself that I could do it,” he stated.
He emphasized the unwavering support of his family throughout his journey, saying, “They’ve always been by my side.” He also credited his teammates for their collective effort, noting that without their support, he wouldn’t have achieved this honor. Waranaivalu expressed gratitude for his team’s spirit, especially as they navigated financial difficulties together, stating, “I dedicate this to my two sons, Richard and King David.”
Earlier this month, he was also recognized as the player of the tournament during the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 in Nausori.