Rewa football midfielder Tevita Waranaivalu has dedicated his award to his family and team-mates who always stood by his side during difficult times.

Waranaivalu became the first Fiji footballer to win the inaugural Digicel Fiji Premier League Golden Ball Award during the Fiji Football Association‘s award night at the Sugar Cane Growers Building in Lautoka on Friday night.

The Naisomua, Tailevu native said he had a lot of ups and downs in the last two seasons especially with injury and being overweight.

“I have been through a lot,” he said.

“A lot of ups and downs along the way and I got injured at the start of the season. Despite that it still pushed me to end the season.

“Then I came back. I was sitting on the bench quite a few times. I just played two to three minutes, but I never lost hope. I kept working, especially on my diet because I got overweight.

“Every time I went on the national team, I was overweight, but I still believed in myself that I could do it.”

The national rep said his family is always there for him wherever he plays.

“They’ve always been by my side, supporting me and that award is also a credit to the whole team. “Without them, I couldn’t have got it. They’ve stood by me we’ve grown as a team a lot,” he said.

“The team spirit and we’ve been through a lot financially, with families, but we’ve been together and that’s how I managed to get this award. I dedicate this to my two sons, Richard, and King David.”

Earlier this month, Waranaivalu also scooped the player of the tournament award during the Police Inter Formation Championship 2024 in Nausori.

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