Humble Veitokani Deserves It: Dad
He is always humble,looks after his sisters, parents. He is a quiet child in the house but always wants to prove himself on the field
Sunday 03 March 2019 | 13:50
Jolame Turaganiqali, 61, receives the Fiji Sports Council 2018 Sportsman of the Year award on behalf of his son Alivereti Veitokani from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the FMF Gymnasium, Suva on March 1, 2019. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Fiji Airways Fijian Drua and Flying Fijians first five- eighth Alifereti Veitokani’s humility and determination on and off the field enabled him to win the Fiji Tattslotto Sportsman of the Year award.
Receiving his award on his behalf on Friday was his father Jolame Turaganiqali who believes his son deserves the award.
“He is always humble,looks after his sisters, parents. He is a quiet child in the house but always wants to prove himself on the field.
“He obeys us, 100 per cent for rugby, attends church, never misses it, I think he deserves the award.”
Turaganiqali also said Veitokani first plan when he joined London Irish Exiles was to renovate and extend their house.
“Not only that but to also help his relatives who are in need,” Turaganiqali said.
“I always remind him to think of God put him first in every decision he’s going to make on the field.
“I also tell him to be kind and respect all regardless of age or race,” he added.
The former Ratu Kadavulevu School student currently plays for London Irish Exiles in the Greene King IPA Championship in England.
London Irish director Declan Kidney said; “Alifereti is a player with talent and potential. He will find the championship more structured compared to what he is used to in Fiji.”
Veitokani was the standout performer in the 2018 Australia National Rugby Championship winning the tournament’s Rising Star Award. He was also named the 2018 Fijiana Drua player at the Fiji Rugby Awards Night last month.
Edited by Osea Bola
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