A 15-year-old’s confidence booster was booted when the only pair of rugby boots he owned was burnt during a house fire on Monday afternoon.

It was more than just a pair of boots said Maikali Turuva whose home in Sabeto Village, Nadi, was destroyed.

The boots meant representing his school in rugby and also kept him confident in working hard at school to strive and achieve his dream.

He was part of the Under-15 Ratu Navula College rugby squad.

The Year 10 student lived in the one-bedroom home with his parents, Maloni Nadoi Turuva and Kelera Uluma.

His uncle, the Turaga Ni Koro (village headman) Ratu Samuela Naquto said Maikali’s parents resorted to farming to cater for the family’s needs.

He said his parents were going to buy Maikali’s school stationery.

“We hope that some help can come in for Maikali’s education,” he added.

The family could not salvage anything from their home of 20 years.

Police Spokesperson Savaira Gonedua said investigations were ongoing.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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