Ratu Tevita Waranaivalu, the 2024 Footballer of the Year, has dedicated his season’s accomplishments to his late grandfather, Simione Mototabua, who passed away last week at the age of 80. The emotional recognition took place during an awards event in Nadi, where the esteemed Fiji national representative in futsal, beach soccer, and full-code football expressed his heartfelt tribute.
Waranaivalu shared that his grandfather was a significant source of motivation throughout his life, always urging him to strive for excellence while maintaining humility and discipline. Despite his profound loss, he conveyed a sense of hope, believing his grandfather would be proud and smiling down from above, offering his blessings.
At 29, Waranaivalu was honored with the prestigious accolade over other notable contenders, including Navua’s Thomas Dunn and Suva’s Merrill Nand. A full feature story about Waranaivalu’s journey and accomplishments is set to be published on FijiLive later this week.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact family support can have on an athlete’s journey. In the face of personal tragedy, Waranaivalu’s dedication to his grandfather illustrates the power of love and motivation, which can fuel the spirit to achieve great things.
Additionally, it reinforces the notion that even after loss, one can carry forward the values instilled in them by loved ones, finding strength in memories and honoring their legacy through success.
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