Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has honored his family and teammates with his recent award, acknowledging their unwavering support during challenging moments in his career.
Waranaivalu made history by becoming the first Fijian footballer to receive the inaugural Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award during the Fiji Football Association’s award ceremony on Friday night at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka.
The native of Naisomua, Tailevu, reflected on the numerous challenges he faced over the past two seasons, particularly dealing with injuries and weight issues. “I have been through a lot,” he shared. “There were many ups and downs, especially since I got injured at the start of the season, but that pushed me to finish strong.”
Despite spending time on the bench and playing limited minutes, Waranaivalu remained determined. He focused on improving his fitness, especially addressing his weight challenges. “I believed in myself, even when I was overweight while representing the national team,” he said.
He emphasized the support from his family during his journey. “They have always stood by me, and this award is a testament to our entire team. I couldn’t have achieved it without them. We have grown together as a team,” he added.
Waranaivalu dedicated his award to his two sons, Richard and King David, highlighting the strong team spirit despite facing financial struggles. Earlier this month, he also received the player of the tournament award at the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 in Nausori.