Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has dedicated his recent accolade to his family and teammates who have supported him during challenging times. Waranaivalu made history as the first Fijian footballer to receive the Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award at the Fiji Football Association’s award ceremony held at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka on Friday evening.
The native of Naisomua, Tailevu reflected on the ups and downs he experienced over the past two seasons, particularly due to injuries and issues with his weight. “I have been through a lot,” he admitted, noting a serious injury at the beginning of the season. Despite these setbacks, he remained determined to finish the season strong.
Waranaivalu mentioned the struggles of sitting on the bench for multiple games and only getting brief appearances but emphasized that he never lost hope. He focused on improving his fitness and managing his diet, admitting he struggled with being overweight during national team call-ups. “I still believed in myself that I could do it,” he remarked.
He expressed gratitude for his family’s unwavering support, stating that they have always been there for him, regardless of where he plays. He credited the award to his entire team, saying, “Without them, I couldn’t have got it. They’ve stood by me, and we’ve grown as a team a lot.” Waranaivalu dedicated the award to his two sons, Richard and King David.
Earlier this month, he also earned the player of the tournament title at the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 in Nausori.