Tevita Waranivalu marked a milestone for both himself and Tahiti United FC last Saturday when he scored his first professional goal in the OFC Pro League at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium. The strike, scored in the second game of round five of the competition, proved a personal breakthrough for the former Rewa FC captain and lifted Tahiti United’s spirits as the match moved into the second half.
Waranivalu, a Fijian international midfielder who joined the Tahitian club this season, said the moment was the payoff for a sustained push to be consistent each time he steps onto the pitch. “Every time I play, I want to reach the bar. Every time I play, I want to be consistent,” he told Times Sport, reflecting on the form that helped him become a regular figure in the side. Since his arrival in Tahiti he has emerged as a key player, winning admirers both with his performances and his leadership.
Adapting to life in a new country has come with obvious challenges, but Waranivalu downplayed language as an obstacle. “I know there’s a language barrier, but it’s good. I’m feeling good,” he said, adding that “in football, there is no language barrier.” He explained that teammates have taught him simple words and on-field signals that make communication effective, and that he is enjoying his time with the squad and Tahitian supporters.
The midfielder admitted he had been searching for the goal through rounds one to four of the competition, making the one at HFC Bank Stadium especially meaningful. “First goal for me in the OFC Pro League, being a professional and scoring at home. I’m so happy, so grateful to be scoring at home,” Waranivalu said, recalling the teammates’ reaction and the lift his strike gave the dressing room: “When I scored, everybody just came and cheered. It was so special.”
As one of Tahiti United’s foreign signings, Waranivalu recognises the extra responsibility that comes with the role. He said young players in the squad look to him for experience and guidance, and that scoring in front of them had extra emotional weight. “They expect me to do something for the team, give out what I have, especially the experience I have. There’re so many young players in the team that look up to me. Scoring today was just something that is special to them,” he said.
Waranivalu used the moment to send a message to young footballers back in Fiji, urging perseverance and discipline. He encouraged aspiring players to “be yourself” rather than emulate stars, and stressed that hard work and off-field discipline matter as much as talent. “Most importantly is discipline. Discipline is off the field, on the field. Discipline is your decision making. Learn to say no. There’s a lot of temptation in drugs, peer pressure. But sometimes you need to say no,” he said.
The goal underlines Waranivalu’s growing influence in the OFC Pro League and offers a clear example of a Fijian player carving out a professional pathway abroad. He says his focus remains on delivering consistent performances for Tahiti United as the club navigates the remainder of the competition.
Leave a comment