Serevi Not A Threat: Saukuru

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru believes rugby sevens icon Waisale Serevi’s decision to join politics does not pose a threat to his ministerial portfolio.

Saukuru said this at Naleba in Labasa recently. He welcomed Serevi’s decision to join politics ahead of the upcoming General Election.

The Qarani, Gau, Lomaiviti star told SUNsports in March that he would consider to run in next year’s election.

“Serevi is most welcome to join politics,” Saukuru said.

He said sporting personalities could play a positive role by contributing to national development and motivating young people to stay away from illicit drugs through sports.

Serevi is an accredited rugby sevens player and coach, a World Rugby Hall of Famer, coordinator of the Serevi Academy of Rugby, and a social advocate against drug abuse among youths.

While there is no clarity on which political party Serevi would join Saukuru said if former Paralympian Iliesa Delana could become an Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports, there was no reason Serevi could not do the same.

“Delana proved it when he became an assistant minister after his gold medal achievement at the 2012 London Paralympics,” he said.

Saukuru said that while he encouraged athletes to contribute to national growth, there was a significant amount of political work that Serevi would need to become accustomed to.

He compared the sporting arena with parliamentary work, noting that the two environments were very different, and urged Serevi to fully understand the responsibilities involved.

“There are two different professions — being a politician and being a sporting icon — so having a clear understanding of both roles is vital,” he said.

The Serevi Academy of Rugby is an initiative through which Serevi uses his extensive rugby knowledge to inspire youths and children to engage in the sport, with the aim of reducing involvement in illicit drugs.

Saukuru said if Serevi demonstrated the capability to contest his ministerial position, he would be open to it.

“Serevi is most welcome. If he can prove that he is better than me in supporting our youths, then we should support him,” he said.

Macuata women’s fifteens rugby coach Motu Lalagavesi said Serevi had a strong fan following and, if his campaign was well organised, he could attract a significant number of votes.

Lalagavesi believes that sporting personalities entering politics would help ensure adequate funding is allocated to develop rugby to its full potential.

She added that Fiji Rugby’s elevation to Tier One status meant more resources were required to maintain that level, and said there was no one better placed to understand those needs than the ‘Sevens King’ himself, Waisale Serevi.