For Tavu Sorovakatini and Inoke Niubalavu, this week’s Pacific Mini Games in Palau will be more than just another tournament, it will be the closing chapter of a journey they started over 20 years ago.
Sorovakatini, who plays first base and catcher, will also share the field with his two sons, making the moment even more special.
“It’s an honor because I brought them up in baseball,” he said.
“They started throwing, catching and hitting when they were little. Now we get to play together for Fiji.”
Niubalavu, who is Fiji Baseball secretary general and also playing, says many of the squad members began as children in Fiji Baseball’s grassroots program.
“This bunch of boys we’ve been developing for over 10 years now,” Niubalavu said.
“Some were eight or ten when they started, and they’ve stayed committed to baseball all this time.”
Preparation has been different this year. The team has had more time to train under Japanese coach Ken Tamaki, who has been working with them for nearly two years.
“Before, we relied only on the coach,” Sorovakatini said.
“But now the experienced players help the young ones. Everyone contributes.”
The competition starts tomorrow and runs until July 9.
Fiji’s main goal is to secure a place on the podium.
“We know who our biggest competition is,” Niubalavu said.
“We need to beat at least one of them. Any color medal would be a success.”
Both men said moving between different venues has been a challenge, but the Fiji National Sports Council has helped by providing gym, turf and pool access.
“For me, this is probably my last time playing,” Sorovakatini said.
“My motivation is to win, even if it’s just for myself, to finish everything I planned to do.”
