Tevita Waranaivalu evalutes Rewa’s campaign so far at OFC Champions League as the Delta Tigers heads to decisive semifinal clash

One of the most decorated players of the Fijian local football currently is enjoying a great spell for Rewa; the midfielder is a product of the Tigers grassroots, had a short spell in the capital city with Suva FC but could not take long time away from his roots. Tevita Waranaivalu, Olympian and Fiji international is being key for the success so far his side Rewa in the current OFC Champions League edition – helping the team led by Rodick Singh to proceed for the first time ever to the knock-out stage.

“We all knew we were on the group of death“, said the player to Oceania Football Center – “all teams were equally good, but yes we are satisfied with the team performance coming out as runners-up in the poll. It was through the boys, but the hard work and unity that keep us going in the pool games; of course it is our first ever OCL semifinal, we are happy and excited but this doesn’t end here“, added the 28-year-old fijian international.

The decisive match the sealed the spot in the semifinals for Rewa was the tough battle against Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, that ended up in a 3-2 hard fought win: “The match against Hekari was a great, intense and under the hot sun. It was a tough game but the boys keep it cool and playing according to the game plan. We had allowed them come back and took the lead 2-1, but we did not lose hope and we kept on fighting ’till the last whistle“, said Waranaivalu – the player also highlighted the importance of the head coach Singh for the team in the challenge they had embarked in Tahiti: “Of course in a team the coach is very important. We have a lot of respect for him and in his leadership the team is performing“, he added stating the team unity around Rodick Singh.

After scoring first through Samu Kautoga, Hekari managed to equalise and comeback throught the efforts of Joseph Joe from the penalty spot and Solomon Rani; Rewa still managed to get the equaliser through Kautoga once again and they were happy to hold the draw as it was enough for the Fijians to qualify. But the result would be even better in their favour: “I think I was at the right place at the right time I had the opportunity to score and I grabbed it with both hands. I feel happy scoring the winner for the team and credit goes to the whole team for fighting ’till the last minute and we manage to get the win“, said Waranaivalu that scored the final goal that sealed Rewa’s place in the knock-out stage.

As the group stage came to an end, Rewa already knows the hosts AS Pirae will be their rivals contending for a spot in the grand final of the tournament. Rewa already has the experience of holding the regional powerhouse Auckland City to a draw in their encounter in the group stage, but can Rewa mark their place in the final to eventualy meet the New Zealand representative? Waranaivalu expects yes, if both sides manage to get through the semifinals, of course: “Yes, with all the respect to Auckland City of being the defending champions, we have played with them and we know what to improve if we meet them again. But at the moment we just taking each game at a time and all focus on the semifinals coming up“, said the player that represented Fiji in the 2016 Olympics.

As the decisive match against the locals AS Pirae approaches, Waranaivalu sends a message to Rewa fans: “To all the fans of Rewa out there in Fiji and abroad, please keep us in your prayers and keep supporting us. Thank you for supporting and believing in us from day one and especially to our families and loved ones. We will try and do our best to make everyone proud“.

Tevita’s journey with the Delta Tigers has been impressive so far, not only at OFC Champions League but also collecting a number of accolades in national football scenario. The current Fijian champions and also top-placed side of the current editional of the national league aims to make even higher moves – the expectances rely on their key players such as Patrick Joseph, Setareki Hughes, Leon Kofana and certainly Tevita Waranaivalu.