Manoa Vakatawabai, a promising young rover from the Bula Ballers, is setting his sights on representing Fiji on the national rugby team, a dream shared by countless young athletes in the country. During the recent Fiji Bitter Marist 7s Tournament, Vakatawabai made an outstanding impact, scoring tries that propelled his team to a 22-14 victory against VBM Dayals Black Heron, marking a remarkable debut in the competition.
Originating from Naqelewai Village in Naitasiri, he articulated his aspirations in a recent interview. “Every Fijian boy has aims and dreams, and I am also aiming to achieve that dream, and that is to represent Fiji,” he shared. His participation in the Bula Ballers program has provided him and fellow teammates from regions such as Namosi a platform to showcase their abilities on a prominent stage in Suva.
Vakatawabai acknowledged the difficulties faced during training but emphasized the unity among the players, which has significantly contributed to their growth. “Sometimes it was hard where we trained, but we have come together to show our talents, and best of all, we came to show it in Suva at the biggest stage, the Marist 7s,” he stated.
The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s this year highlights the emerging talent within Fiji’s rugby landscape, with various grassroots teams engaging in the competition. Similar to the journeys of other aspiring players like Seru Logayau from the Village Boys and Abele Vukaloto, Vakatawabai’s story captures the essence of determination and aspiration prevalent among young Fijians.
As the tournament progresses, it creates a lively atmosphere filled with competition and ambition, reflecting Fiji’s rich rugby heritage and motivating younger generations to pursue their dreams through sports. The strong community support and the commitment of these young athletes paint a hopeful and promising future for rugby in Fiji, showcasing a wealth of potential ready to emerge on the national and international stage.
Leave a comment