Families emotional over football help
THE Fiji Football Association is continuing to assist affected men and women players around the country.
After assisting more than 100 footballers in the West, which included Lautoka, Ba men’s and women’s team players, Nadi and Nadroga men’s and women’s teams, the Fiji FA team, led by vice-president Yogeshwar Singh, distributed food rations to players in the Rewa men’s and women’s teams and Tailevu-Naitaisiri women’s team yesterday at the FoodCity Warehouse at Manoca, Nausori.
A total of 57 players received the assistance.
Senivalati Tokalau, whose daughter Wati Tokalau is the Tailevu-Naitasiri women’s team goalkeeper, thanked Fiji FA for assisting football players.
“I heartily thank Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, the Fiji FA board and staff members for providing us with this timely assistance,” said Tokalau
Tokalau said it was a blessing for his family.“We stay in the village in Rewa and at the moment we are struggling and getting these groceries from Fiji FA is a huge relief for us. We are going through a difficult time and I understand what Fiji FA is doing is something that will bring smiles to many families.”
Eseta Vonotabua, another Tailevu-Naitasiri women’s rep, was happy with what she received from Fiji FA.
“I am so happy with what Fiji FA has given to my family today (Tuesday) and I thank them heartily for thinking about women footballers as well,” she said.
“We are really thankful for the rations because it has been nearly two months now we have been struggling.”
Former Rewa rep and Rewa women’s team coach Usaia Tadu praised Fiji FA for the generosity shown to footballers across the country.
“We have seen Fiji FA has gone to some other districts as well in the West and assisting football players who are affected by the second wave of the pandemic which is very much appreciated,” said Tadu.
“Most of the players are dependent on football as their only source of income. All sports have been stopped and players are not getting enough to feed their family. These groceries will be a huge relief to all of us.
“On behalf of the Rewa football family, I wholeheartedly thank Fiji FA for the kind assistance to all footballers.”
The Fiji FA team reached three players at the Logani border to distribute food packs to Tailevu-Naitasiri players Ana Nakauvukivuki and Adi Vika, and Rewa player Akisi Soroavoli.
Receiving her pack at the border, Soroavoli said she felt so happy and relieved after getting assistance from Fiji FA.
“I didn’t expect anything to come to us as we are in the lockdown, but I was surprised to receive a call to come and pick my ration from the border.
“We have been facing a lot of difficulties during this lockdown and this food ration will help us a lot in our daily meals and I thank Fiji FA for the kind gesture. Hats off to the officials of Fiji FA,” said Soroavoli.