Women's Rugby Rep Dies
Deceased alleged to have sustained spinal injury while playing for Nadroga against Naitasiri
Tuesday 09 August 2022 | 12:28
Torika Koroidrekelevu shows a photo of her late daughter, Monika Nokata Koroidrekelevu while her husband, Josefa, daughter, Lavenia and youngest son, Marika outside their home at Volivoli Village in Sigatoka on August 8, 2022. Photo: Nicolette Chambers
Police are investigating the death of the 19-year-old woman rugby player alleged to have suffered a spinal injury while playing in the ANZ Marama Championship match for Nadroga against Naitasiri in June this year.
This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro. Naisoro said a post mortem would be conducted to ascertain the cause of death as investigations continue.
The deceased Monika Nokata Koroidrekelevu was in Year 13 at Sigatoka Methodist College.
She died at her aunt’s home in Nadroga, in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is alleged that centre, Koroidrekelevu had sustained spinal injuries while playing for Nadroga against Naitasiri at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, in June.
The injury caused her to be bedridden for almost a month.
The deceased was the eldest of eight siblings and had captained the Nadroga Women’s Under-19 rugby team.
When SUNsports visited her home yesterday, her mum Torika Koroidrekelevu said her daughter loved rugby and was a hard worker.
“Monika only began playing rugby this year,” an emotional Koroidrekelevu said.
“I discouraged her from playing so she could concentrate on her studies but she loved the sport and I gave her the chance.
“Rugby was her sport because she always saw herself being great on the field just like other Nadroga rugby stars.”
Koroidrekelevu added she always encouraged her daughter to be strong.
“I miss her and I love her,” she said.
The funeral service followed by the burial will be held at Volivoli Village in Sigatoka on Thursday at 10.30am.
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
