NATIONAL midfielder and former Rewa FC captain Tevita Waranivalu is making his mark in the OFC Pro League with Tahiti United FC.
Since joining the Tahitian side, Waranivalu has become a key player, showcasing consistency and leadership that has won the hearts of fans both in Tahiti and back home.
Speaking about his form since joining the club, Waranivalu said it all came down to consistency.
“Every time I play, I want to reach the bar. Every time I play, I want to be consistent,” he told Times Sport.
“I’m fitting in well, gelling well with the team. I know there’s a language barrier, but it’s good. I’m feeling good.”
Despite the language differences, Waranivalu says communication on the field is simple.
“In football, there is no language barrier. It’s so simple,” he said.
“Maybe sign language, simple words that we can share on the field that the boys have taught me. And yes, I’m enjoying my time here in Tahiti with the boys, with the team, with the squad, with the whole Tahitian football fans and families. I’m so happy to be with the team.”
Last Saturday, Waranivalu scored his first professional goal on home soil at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva during the second game of round five of the OFC Pro League.
The moment was special for the midfielder.
“Well, first goal for me in the OFC Pro League, being a professional and scoring at home. I’m so happy, so grateful to be scoring at home,” he said.
“Like I’ve said before, I’ve been searching for this goal ever since. From round one to round four, but I’m so happy to be scoring at home.”
His goal sparked a renewed energy within the Tahiti United squad, lifting their spirits in the second half.
“They were always telling me, ‘Hey, when are you going to score?’ And I said, ‘Hey, maybe I’ll score at home, I’ll score in Tahiti.’ And yes, when I scored, everybody just came and cheered. It was so special,” Waranivalu recalled.
As a foreign player, Waranivalu carries the responsibility of setting an example.
“I think I’m one of the players that they look up to, especially coming in as a foreigner,” he said.
“They expect me to do something for the team, give out what I have, especially the experience I have. There’re so many young players in the team that look up to me. Scoring today was just something that is special to them.”
Waranivalu also had encouraging words for aspiring footballers in Fiji.
“Yes, opportunities everywhere. Even if you don’t have the opportunity here locally, there are people watching you, there are people looking at you. Never give up. Don’t be discouraged. Just keep working hard. There’s someone who’s looking at you,” he said.
To the young footballers watching, his advice was clear:
“Just be yourself. We all cannot be (Lionel) Messi, we all cannot be (Cristiano) Ronaldo. You can be the best version of yourself. Just be yourself, hard work, perseverance. Most importantly is discipline. Discipline is off the field, on the field. Discipline is your decision making. Learn to say no. There’s a lot of temptation in drugs, peer pressure. But sometimes you need to say no,” he said.
Tevita Waranivalu’s rise in the OFC Pro League is one that continues to inspire many, proving that with hard work and determination, success is within reach.
