Meleama Tumalevu, a winger for the Ba girl’s Under-14 rugby team, is dedicated to playing in memory of her late mother, who passed away in September from breast cancer. Despite the sadness of her loss, Tumalevu finds solace in the support of her father and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to represent her team.
“Though it hurts to have lost my mother, I’m still thankful for the presence of my father,” Tumalevu shared. She reflected on the supportive role her mother played in her sports life, often providing advice on injury prevention and playing smart. Her father also encouraged her to focus on her game and the future.
With aspirations to play for the Fijian Drua women’s team, Tumalevu looks up to Fijiana lock Asinate Serevi for inspiration, admiring her agility and strength. She hopes to further her athletic journey at either Natabua High School or Ba Methodist High School, both known for their rugby programs for girls.
In addition to rugby, the 14-year-old student from Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School participates in athletics and netball, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. After their initial loss to Taveuni in the Vodafone Kaji rugby competition, their coach emphasized the need for improvements, and Tumalevu remains optimistic about the team’s potential to bounce back and aim for the trophy.
On a personal note, Tumalevu has ties to former Fiji men’s sevens captain Waisea Nacuqu, who is her uncle, highlighting a proud family connection to rugby. She draws strength from her faith in God to cope with her mother’s passing, reinforcing the team’s motto that determination can lead to victory, encapsulated by the Ba dialect saying “E kuca ya,” meaning that with the right mindset, any battle can be won.
The Ba team has shown resilience and camaraderie, demonstrated by their promising performances, including victories against Nasinu and Waidina.
This story underscores the spirit of youth sports and the powerful bond between family and athletics. Tumalevu’s journey not only honors her mother’s legacy but also inspires her peers to strive for excellence amidst personal challenges. With her ambitions firmly set, the future looks bright for this young athlete as she moves forward with determination and hope.
Results from recent matches:
– Taveuni 21 – 14 Ba
– Nasinu 12 – 31 Ba
– Waidina 0 – 31 Ba
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