Spiritual wellbeing is the backbone of everything and that’s what keeps Simione Tamanisau going.

The veteran national and Rewa goalkeeper made the comment as he prepares for his 22nd Punjas Battle of the Giants tournament which kicks off at Churchill Park, Lautoka tomorrow.

He started playing as a 16-year old in 1998 for Rewa, Tamanisau said it was his faith and passion for football that had brought him this far.

Originally from Naisomua, Verata, Tailevu, he was born and bred at his mother’s village in Batinikama, Labasa, Macuata.

“I grew up in Labasa and it is where I developed my football passion from,” he said.

“I started playing in 1998 and still going on now and attribute this to my reverence for the Lord and the passion for the game.”

He debuted for Rewa before joining other district teams including Navua, Lautoka and Suva.

Now at 38, he believes his Delta Tigers will perform to expectations when they face Hyperchem Lautoka tomorrow.

“Every team has prepared well, we cannot say which team is going to win,” he said.

“Our coach has prepared our team well, and the players are mentally prepared and I hope come Friday we will have a good match,” Tamanisau added.

While players’ mentality is paramount, it goes with fitness and faith.

“Mental preparation is basically one of the important tools for any football player to prepare for any game as well as physically. Everything will fall into place if one is spiritually fit and prepared,” he said.

Rewa is pooled with Lautoka, Nadi and Navua.

“I think it’s going to be a good tournament, and I’m asking the Rewa fans to come out in numbers and support the team,” he said.

He is confident national football coach, Flemming Serrtislev will lift the standard of football in Fiji.

“Football has been progressing and with the current coach, we hope we will get to where we want. New style, new experience and I hope we will progress from there,” Tamanisau said.

Edited by Osea Bola

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