It has not only been a successful year for football in the country but an equally memorable one Antonio Tuivuna.

The Suva defender was a member of the Vodafone Under-20 team who, for the first time, took part in the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

He was also part of the Vodafone Fijian U23 side who qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, for the first time as well.

“I believe this year has been the best for me and I have achieved things that I thought was never going to be possible,” Tuivuna said.

“I had the opportunity to play in the FIFA U20 World Cup and that in itself was a dream come true, playing the sport I love among the best in the world was unbelievable.

“That was a really good learning experience for all the boys and those are memories that cannot just simply be taken away from us, it’s something that is etched into our minds forever.

“Then we qualified for the Rio Olympics during the Pacific Games in Port Moresby which was another big achievement for us. The hard work now is actually making it to the final squad for Rio.”

The 20-year-old from Navala Village in Ba knows that if he wants to play in Rio, he will need to step up his performance.

“I know I’ve to work hard in order to get where I need to be and my aim is to take part in the Olympics.

“I’m really focused on getting fit and trying my best while at the same time staying positive.”

In preparation for the Olympics, the U23 team will be going on a Spain tour next month playing against top teams Valencia FC and Villareal.

“This is something we only dream about doing but to actually travel to countries where people live and breathe football is unbelievable,” Tuivuna said.

“This is what Fiji needs and I’m privileged to be a part of this team.

“I’m making the most of it by being in the team and learning from Frank Farina.”

Fiji play Lavente United on January 19, Elche CF on January 20. Both teams compete in the Segunda Division in the Spanish Football League.

The side play CF Cracks on January 21, Villareal FC on January 26. Villareal FC currently competes in the La Liga competition.

On January 27 the team takes on Valencia FC and the final match against Chinese Super League club Shanfi Shenua.

The team marches into camp on January 4 and leave for Spain on January 13.

Edited by Osea Bola

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