To play in the Olympics and rub shoulders with the world’s top players is what Team Fiji men’s footballer, Tevita Waranaivalu is going to cherish for the rest of his life.

“This is one of those moments where as a kid you only see these athletes on television and as you grow up you dream about performing on that very stage in front of millions of people,” Waranaivalu said.

“But then you realise that it isn’t a dream and it is really happening. Words cannot truly express how I feel and all I know is that I’m really excited. I feel this is a reward for all the hard work that I have put in over the years and how I have been improving.  I am humbled and relieved that I finally get a chance to play at the Olympics.”

Waranaivalu said the huge challenge is in their pool matches where they face South Korea, Mexico and Germany.

“I think we as a team, we know what to expect. Most of us played in the FIFA U20 World Cup and we got a taste of what it was like to go up against some of the top sides in the world. It was not an easy walk in the park but we got to learn and I think we know what to expect at the Olympics. We are just hoping to go out and do our best.”

The Rewa midfield general Waranaivalu has urged the nation to pray for the Team Fiji contingent.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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