The Fijian Under-19 cricket captain, Saimoni Tuitoga, has been offered a full gear sponsorship by Australian cricket company, Custom Sports.

The Queensland-based company will assist Tuitoga’s preparations for the U19 World Cup in February in Bangladesh.

The 18-year-old will be the first age-grade player to achieve a full sponsorship which will include cricket bats, gloves, batting pads, wicket keeping pads, wicket keeping gloves and clothing.

“I’m honoured to be using their brand and very grateful to Custom Sports for giving me this opportunity,” Tuitoga said.

Custom Sports director David Macoun first got in touch with Cricket Fiji with the hope of assisting the organisation in purchasing equipment and was instantly intrigued about the struggle each player faced and was keen to assist.

“Saimoni is a great prospect for Cricket Fiji, I wish him and the team all the best for the upcoming carnival,” Macoun said.

I hope this is the beginning of a long standing relationship with Cricket Fiji and Custom Sports. I’m willing to make a sponsorship available every year.”

Cricket Fiji high performance manager, Joe Rika was thankful to Macoun and said that this would be career changing moments in player’s lives to know they were appreciated for their achievements.

“These boys have been stuck into training since June this year, paying their own bus fares before the assistance of the government last week,” Rika said.

“Juggling studies and training and most of them leave with family members here while their parents are back in the islands and yet they don’t ask for much. They are true heroes of the sport who deserve all the support they can get” Rika said.

The national side departs for its pre-tournament camp on January 6. CRICKET FIJI

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