FORMER Fiji Pearls midcourt player Alesi Waqa Paul, who now resides in Dubai with her husband Keponi Paul, has paid a touching tribute to the late Unaisi Rokoura, former Fiji Pearls captain and coach.
Waqa described Rokoura as more than a coach a guide, a helper, and a sister whose compassion and strength shaped her both on and off the court.
“Coach Una was more than just a coach to me she was my guide, my helper, my strength when I was weak, and a true sister at heart.
“Her belief in me went beyond the game of netball. She shaped not only my career but also the person I am today,” Waqa said.
Waqa recalled how Rokoura stood by her side after she ruptured her knee during the 2018 Commonwealth Games a time she described as one of the lowest points of her career.
“I was told that I wasn’t covered under insurance for surgery. I felt lost and broken, but coach Una never left my side.
“She personally picked me up every day, took me to the gym, and helped me through my rehabilitation. She made me feel alive again and helped me believe in myself when I had given up,” Waqa added.
Waqa said Rokoura’s kindness extended far beyond the netball court.
“In 2019, when I had no job and no income after leaving the Fiji Police Force when my so-called friends had turned their backs on me Coach Una was there.
“She saw my worth when others didn’t. She gave me an opportunity to work as a coach developer under Netball New Zealand, a lifeline that helped me rebuild my life.”
She added that Rokoura later recalled her to the Fiji Pearls squad because she believed Waqa still had more to offer.
“That’s who she was a woman who lifted others, who saw potential where others saw failure, and who gave hope when it seemed all was lost.”
Rokoura, who captained and later coached the Fiji Pearls, is remembered as a humble, faithful, and dedicated leader who inspired countless young women to chase their dreams.
“Coach Una’s kindness, humility, and strength will never be forgotten. She touched so many lives through her leadership, her faith, and her unconditional love.”
“Thank you, Coach Una, for everything you have done for me. You will forever live in my heart. May your beautiful soul rest peacefully in God’s eternal love.”
The Fiji netball fraternity has described Rokoura’s passing as a great loss to the sport a reminder of the deep impact she made as both a player and a coach.
