Refree Tevita Seletui was named the Rookie/Newcomer of the Year at the inaugural Fiji Rugby Referees Awards on Saturday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Seletui, who is part of the Lautoka Rugby Referees Association, was nominated for the award alongside Katarina Tawa of Suva, Joji Civoniceva of Macuata and Jope Ravolaca of Nasinu.
His award was presented by Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru.
Speaking to Times Sport afterwards, Seletui gave credit for the win to the man above.
“First of all, I would like to thank the Almighty God for giving me this opportunity. Without Him, I am nothing,” Seletui acknowledged.
He also dedicated the award to this parents and loved ones back home in the West.
Seletui, who hails from Nasolo, Ba with maternal links to Verata in Tailevu, said he did not expect to win the award on Saturday.
“I wasn’t expecting this win, but I feel very grateful to be given the opportunity to win the Rookie of the Year and the Newcomer of the Year,” he said.
Seletui’s rugby refereeing journey began two years ago, when he helped in officiating primary schools rugby matches at the St Teresa Primary School grounds in Ba.
Since then, he said the move forward was filled with its share of ups and downs, however he was grateful for divine support that kept him going through it all.
“It hasn’t been easy, I have to go through the mountains, through the valleys, but I’m so grateful that someone up there is with me, taking me throughout this journey,” he mentioned.
As the year ends, he says a major highlight for him was the chance to emerge out of nowhere and be recognised for his work with other referees.
Referee Tevita Seletui. Picture: VEREIMI WARA
