If two things that former soccer players shared, it was the passion for the sport and the pride for their districts.
This was also the story of former Navua, Nasinu, Rewa and Suva player Penaia Latianara.
The Serua Yanuyanu Naval Officer joined the main Navua team when he was just in year-11 and got to rub shoulders with some of the best players that the southerners have produced.
“I was in Form 5 when my youth coach asked me to play for the senior team. That time, Tui Namosi Ratu Suli Matanitobua, Saimoni Ratu, the late Romulo Kaibau were playing for Navua and I think I was the youngest during that year.
“I played soccer for Navua from there until we won the first Fiji FACT for the Navua community, Navua town, Serua and the yasana of Namosi.
“That whole team was originally from Navua, no other places and I was proud to be part of that team on that year. I think 2003 was when we played the final against Rewa. Esala Ali was the hero for that final,” he recounted.
After celebrating his glory days with Navua, Latianara had a shot stint with Nasinu before dedicating 10 years of his playing career with Rewa under the guidance of Marika Rodu, Simione Tamanisau and Lorima Dau.
Looking back, Latianara can vividly remember the sacrifices he and others did for their passion for soccer and pride in their districts.
“In our time we don’t play for money, we played for pride but this time, a players can be playing for one team this window when the next transfer opens, he is playing for another team.
“I used to stay in Taunovo, Pacific Harbour so after training I must stand at the Navua bridge and hitch. Those were hard times but were good times, you don’t get paid, but you’re satisfied with whatever reward you get after the game.
Apart from his work, Latianara is also the president of the Serua Rugby Union.
