APISAI Bativakaloloma is one proud father as he watched his daughters Ateca and Rachel prepare to play for their adopted country Japan in the Oceania 7s tournament this weekend.
The family hail from Naicabecabe Village in Moturiki, Lomaiviti and are calling on their families and friends to come in numbers and support their team next weekend at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Bativakaloloma who has spent 25 years in Japan has three children, the eldest his namesake.
He said he was really proud of his daughters and what they had achieved.
“My only advice to the girls are play hard and have faith in God, nothing is impossible. We have been following them wherever they play.
“They were part of the Japan team that beat the Fijiana team in the challenge cup at the Glendale 7s in USA last month.
“Playing together has been their greatest boost and supporting each other on the field.
“For me my only advice to them is to have faith in God.”
For 19-year-old Ateca Yumi playing along her sister 20-year-old Rachel Miyo has been a great boost in her performance.
“Having someone with me on the field encouraging me to keep playing and never give up is a big boost,” Ateca said.
“I’ve been playing rugby since I was three years old and it has been a passion of mine.”
Rachel who plays as a forward said they were blessed to be home and they hoped to get to meet family and friends.
“We’re here to play and work on our individual performance before the big game over the weekend.”
This is the second time in Fiji and to play in front of their home crowd is an honour to them.
They are also gearing up for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo.
