Simione Tamanisau played a crucial role in helping the ‘Babasiga Lions’ winning the 2022 Punjas Battle of the Giants tournament.

The 41-year-old gold keeper won the Golden Glove award for his amazing saves and his leadership on the field.

This is not his first time to win the Golden Glove award. He has won it three other times.

Mr Tamanisau is married with three beautiful daughters. He first developed his interest in soccer when he was five.

He said his mother, who was a dentist at Labasa Hospital, used to play soccer during her sports day, which inspired him.

“I also came to know that my grandfather (my mother’s father), played in Labasa team back in 1960s,” he said.

He said he was fortunate to be part of the Fiji football development programme and was part of the National U-11, U-13, U15, U-17, U-20, U-23 and the National team where he started in 2003 and retired in 2020.

“I was a member of the winning team that won Gold in 2003 South Pacific Games, Silver medal in 2007 and qualified for the RIO Olympics in 2016,” Mr Tamanisau said.

“Playing in the RIO Olympics was the best and memorable moment for me.”

He described his role as a goal keeper and the golden glove winner to be special and exciting.

“This is something I have given back to my home town. I did not expect this award, but I would say that it was a collective team effort,” he said.

“I am happy that it is all over and that we came out to be the winners. I could not have done it without the amazing players who are part of this team.

“I want to dedicate this win to my family and to all the fans who showed up in numbers to support us.”

Mr Tamanisau said his family (father, mother, wife and daughters) had been a pillar of strength in his soccer career.

“They have been there through my ups and down and they have motivated me to achieve my goals,” he added.

He also thanked the Commissioner of Police, Commanding Officer of PSRU and all the member of PSRU for their continuous support.

“I am a Police Officer with the rank of Inspector of Police and I am based at the Police Special Response Unit. I am blessed to get my teams entire support as a soccer player,” he added.

“Once you set a goal, try to achieve it through hard work, commitment and sacrifice. Always put God first and everything will fall into place.”

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