Meleama Tumalevu, a promising winger for the Ba under-14 girls’ rugby team, is competing with a heavy heart following the loss of her mother to breast cancer in September. Despite her grief, Tumalevu expresses gratitude for the support of her father. She recalls fond memories of her mother cheering her on during games and offering sage advice on playing safely and strategically.
“My mother passed away on September 16, and we buried her two weeks later,” she shared. “While it hurts to lose her, I’m thankful that my father is here for me.” He encourages her to focus on her performance and not dwell on her mother’s passing, reminding her of the importance of resilience.
With hopes of one day playing for the Fijian Drua women’s team, Tumalevu draws inspiration from Fijiana lock Asinate Serevi, admiring her agility and strength on the field. She also aspires to attend Natabua High School or Ba Methodist High School, both of which offer programs supporting female rugby players.
Besides rugby, the 14-year-old student from Ratu Rusiate Nabuta Memorial School is also active in athletics, participating in various track events and netball, where she plays as a Goal Attack.
Following a challenging start at the Vodafone Kaji Rugby competition, where Ba faced a 21-14 defeat to Taveuni, Tumalevu remains optimistic about the potential of her team. “I believe we can reach the finals and bring the trophy home to Ba. This team has strong players capable of both attack and defense,” she noted.
Adding to her athletic lineage, Tumalevu has a familial connection to former Fiji men’s sevens captain, Waisea Nacuqu, who is her uncle through her mother’s family. Tumalevu emphasizes the role of faith in her resilience, quoting her coach: “If God is with us, who can be against us?” She also draws strength from her team’s motto in Ba dialect: “E kuca ya,” meaning you can win any battle if you focus your mind.
In terms of competition results, the Ba girls’ team has recorded victories against Nasinu and Waidina, and their journey is far from over.
It’s inspiring to see a young athlete channeling her grief into motivation and excellence, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. Tumalevu’s dedication to her sport and her dreams is a testament to her character and will undoubtedly inspire others in her community and beyond.
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