THE saying behind every successful man is a woman rings true for HSBC Sevens Series top off-loader Jasa Veremalua.
Interesting also to know this gentle giant was a soccer striker for Sigatoka Methodist High School during his high school days.
The Korotogo native was still in high school when his dad passed away, leaving his mum, Talica Salevu, to single-handedly support the family.
It is this woman who has been the driving force behind Veremalua’s rugby achievements.
In all the world 7s series matches he plays in, Veremalua always has the word “mum” written on his armband reminding him to play his heart out for his number one fan.
And as Veremalua prepares for this weekend’s HSBC World Sevens Series leg in Singapore, he has vowed to give it his best and help the Fiji 7s team do well.
“I was only 17 when dad passed away and mum has been there all along,” he said.
“She has been there for me and like every mother, she always wants the best from the children. This motivated me to work hard and to be where I am today.
“That is the reason I write ‘mum’ on my armband, thanking her for her upbringing and most importantly to make her proud.
“I did not believe I would make it this far and I thank my mum, my loved ones for their support, and most importantly Almighty God for blessing me with this talent.”
When asked about where he learnt to off-load or push passes with such ease and skill, especially the one-handed handling of the ball in his big palm, much like holding a loaf of bread, and his kicking abilities, he admitted a sense of shock at first.
“I was shocked to realise that I have the most off-loads so far this season,” he said.
“Those types of off-loads just come naturally and this happens to many Fijian players. I believe it comes from those touch rugby sessions held every afternoon in nearly all the Fijian villages and settlements.
“In touch rugby you have to look for ways to evade your opponent and ensure he doesn’t touch you with the ball in hand. This is where we can see different types of passes and off-loads
“And as for the kicking skills, I was striker in our school soccer team during my high school days and that is why you sometimes saw cross kicks in a few of our games.
“Also some of the off-load skills I have comes from some of the world’s rugby stars I watched on the television in my younger days.”
The 27-year-old is an ideal role model for aspiring rugby players. He does not drink alcohol, never smokes nor drinks yaqona.
He said he only drinks yaqona when invited to be a chief guest at special occasions in Fiji, but only a bowl or two.
“I am committed to my training because I want to become a better person and to support my mum.”
Veremalua was born in Ba where his dad used to work for FSC and started playing club games at the age of 16 in Nadroga.
His ultimate aim is to secure a place in the Fiji 7s team for the Rio Olympics and to continue playing well for his mum.
And as he and his teammates prepare for the Singapore 7s onslaught this weekend, expect to see the best from the man with the word “mum” on his armband.
