Waisega savours time with Fijiana
While Sulita Waisega has ticked off representing Fiji at the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup from her bucket list, she still has a lot more to achieve in rugby.
The 19-year-old Nakawaga, Mali, Macuata lass was the youngest in last year’s WC outing in New Zealand and debuted in the Rooster Chicken Fijiana in this year’s successful Super W defence.
She shares maternal links to Nakama, Macuata and had moved to Netherlands with her family when she was three-years-old.
The flanker said she has more goals to smash this year with the Fijiana side.
“My dad, Seva Waisega, went to work in Netherlands. He mostly played for the Police team when he was here,” Waisega said.
“It’s in the family to play rugby, I grew up with it. We did not have a girls’ team in Netherlands I joined the boys in school before I came to join the Fijiana team.
“I’ve loved playing in Fiji especially when you’re surrounded with family.
“Being the youngest Fijiana it’s like having big sisters around me telling me to do, this and that, but mostly guiding me on the right path.
“My target is to keep my work rate high, gain possession and work hard every game. I’m doing it well but like my S&C says; you can always be better so that’s what I’m trying to do.
“My goal is to to win more championships, improve our world rankings and do our best to compete on high level and maintain it,” she added.
Waisega has been in coach Inoke Male’s starting line-up during the Super W season and at their Test against the Wallaroos last Saturday.
“Playing for Fiji and representing the family means so much. Seeing the support shows how much people appreciate us and I am enjoying playing rugby here,” she said.
“It’s worth coming to play here despite having to pay my own way when I came to join the Fijiana last year and staying at my aunt’s place - mate nai lavo – as they say.” Having seasoned players including Karalaini Naisewa, Keleni Marawa and Sereima Leweniqila has helped her hone her skills as a forward.
“The senior players always guide me in every way; decision making that I make on and off the field, advises me to keep going and keep both my feet on the ground.”
Waisega is part of the Vodafone Fijiana XV’s 28-member squad at the Oceania Championship in Australia. They play against Papua
The Fijiana Drua will take on Reds in the Super W final this Saturday
New Guinea at 7:30pm tomorrow at Bond University.