ISIKELI Rabitu’s parents, Misi and Akanisi, did not lose hope when their son was not named in the FIJI Water Flying Fijians extended squad for the Nations Championship in Europe, which starts next week.
Instead, they believed it was all part of God’s plan, and last Sunday, they saw those plans fall into place when Rabitu was named as an injury cover for Vinaya Habosi.
Speaking to Times Sport yesterday, father Misi Rabitu was elated at what his son had accomplished, even though he was not initially selected in the extended squad.
“That is discipline,” he recalled telling his son when the latter revealed he was selected.
“We (his parents) did not lose hope when he was not picked. There were many who met us and knew me who lamented he was not picked however we would say it was alright and that all would unfold in God’s time.”
His mother Akanisi said she was emotional upon hearing the news as she recalled the journey he began when he played in primary schools Kaji rugby.
“When I found out he was picked, I was so thankful to God and also very emotional since we did not lose hope in the plans He had for him,” his mother explained.
“I used to tell him, ‘Luvequ, you have got a long way (to go).”
Seeing her son walk through gates at the airport not just as her son but as a Flying Fijian moved her to tears.
“I got so emotional seeing him go since I know this is what God has planned for him and it was now his duty to serve the nation,” she said.
His father Misi’s parting words to him were to maintain his level of discipline and to be aware of the world’s eyes focusing on him and what he would showcase on the biggest stage he would now appear on.
The Flying Fijians depart Fiji for Europe tonight.
Fiji faces Wales in its first match on July 5.
