Raised by two strong people, Vitalina Naikore’s performance in the final speaks volume of how her uncle, Saviriano Tulele, and aunt taught her to never give up.
Naikore was the star in the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua’s 32-26 breathtaking Super W final at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
In the Super W final yesterday, Naikore scored three tries which was enough to give her the Player of the Final award.
She suffered a hamstring and decided to stay on the field.
Everytime Naikore scored a try in the Pacific Super Rugby final match against the Waratahs yesterday, her uncle would offer a prayer in silence.
The player of the match has been described as a quiet and hardworking woman.
Tulele and his wife, who is Naikore’s dad’s sister, brought up the Nadivakarua, Kubulau, Bua lass who completed her education at the Holy Family Secondary School in Labasa.
Years of training, sacrifices and commitment by the 21-year-old, Tulele said she was taught never to give up and her dedication has finally paid off.
Recalling the beginning of Naikore’s rugby journey, Tulele said his wife would scold at Naikore everytime she spent more time training for her soccer or rugby match.
“All we wanted was for her to concentrate on her studies and to pass her exams well so she can get a good future,” he said.
“But her heart was with sports. She represented Fiji in the U19 and U20 soccer team about four years ago.
“She played for Fijiana Sevens team and now she represents Fiji in the Drua team and we are all so proud of her.”
Naikore called her family last week to thank them for their prayers and support.
“She plans to return to Labasa and we will visit the family in Bua for her to go see her parents too,” Tulele said.
“Naikore is always faithful to whatever duties we give her. She reached Year 13 level and we hope that she would pursue further studies. “But she turned to what she loves best and that’s rugby.”
