Fijians Plan March In Wellington
The Fijian community are planning to meet at the Wellington Civic Square then march to the Regional Stadium before the Vodafone Fijian Bati face the Kiwis in Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup quarterfinals.
Fijian born Luse Tiqatabua said this was their way of showing their support as proud Fijians with, “Fiji at heart”.
From left; Ratu Sikeli Tabakaucoro,Vodafone Fijian Bati rep Viliame Kikau, Adi Vasemaca Tuiburelevu and Ratu Ilaitia Varani Junior at Wellington Airport on November 12, 2017. Photo: Luse Tiqatabua
“The Fijians here in Wellington have always being ardent supporters of any Fiji team and the Vodafone Fijian Bati is no exception,”Tiqatabua said.
“I guess having the Wellington 7s tournament here for a number of years have helped built this culture.
“We use these gatherings to meet as some of us haven’t met in a while so we always look for any good excuse to meet as Fijians.”
She said all Fijian sporting teams have a strong fan base in NZ, let alone Wellington and locals were surprised at the number of fans that braved the cold on Sunday just to get a glimpse of their Bati heroes.
“When the team arrived at 11.45 pm on Sunday other passengers that disembarked around the same time were surprised at the number of people who braved the cold and the night to wait for our Fijian Bati team.”
Vodafone Fijian Bati rep Viliame Kikau(third from left) with fans at Wellington Airport on November 12, 2017. Photo: Luse Tiqatabua
She said there was no doubt that Fijians in NZ would be out in numbers and with the possibility of being joined by their fellow Pacific Islanders mainly Samoans and Tongans.
“We offer our boys our support because playing away from home can be a bit overwhelming and we want them to know that there are Fijians here as well to support them. It’s out patriotic pride. We are Fijians at heart.”
Tiqatabua is confident that Fijians fans will be out in numbers, matching the Tongan fans when they played New Zealand in Hamilton last Saturday.
“Fijians should be able match the Tongan support on Saturday.”
Vodafone Fijian Bati captain Kevin Naiqama(second from left) with fans at Wellington Airport on November 12, 2017.
Photo: Alisi Ramacake
The Fiji-New Zealand quarterfinals kicks off at 7.30pm.
Edited by Osea Bola
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