Tekiata from Buakonikai Rabi Island ready for Fiji

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Emoni Narawa Wednesday, May 30, 2012

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Boy from Buakonikai ... Remeuru Tekiata, ready for his first game for Fiji in the Solomon Islands this weekend. Picture: BALJEET SINGH

HE is the first Rabi islander to be named in a Fiji national soccer team. Only 21 years old, Remeuru Tekiata‘s dreams to represent Fiji at the national level is turning into reality.

The Buakonikai villager from Rabi is certain of a good outing on his debut at the Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup in the Solomons this weekend.

The stylish Ba defender went through the national ranks in the under-17, U20 and U23 before finally making cut alongside fellow under-23 players Misaele Draunibaka, Ilisoni Logaivau and Archie Watkins. However, Watkins was part of the Fiji team at the Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia last year.

Tekiata said playing at national level was his childhood dream.

"I am so happy to be given this chance to represent the Fiji senior team. I was part of the U17, U20 and U23 but this one is so special to me," the former Tavua College student said.

"I am proud to be the first Rabi native in the national soccer team. Representing Fiji is the dream of all soccer players and I am looking forward to a good outing in the Solomons. I know playing at this level is different and I am willing to learn whatever I can from this tour."

Tekiata attributed the support of his parents who were the backbone of his young colourful football career. Tekiata started his soccer career at Tavua College, then went on to represent Tavua at district level before switching to Ba. He added training alongside Fiji‘s top defenders in Taniela Waqa, Ilaitia Tuilau, Samuela Kautoga and Peni Finau was a huge experience for him.

"I must thank God for the talent he has given me, I‘m just utilising this talent right now. I also thank my parents for their support to me. They have been there for me throughout my career and I am willing to give my best shot for my family, relatives, district and the whole of Fiji at the OFC Nations Cup in the Solomons.

"I am still learning a lot and I thank the senior players in the team for giving advice to me," a soft-spoken Tekiata said.

Fiji takes on the New Zealand All Whites in its opening game on Saturday. The team departed Nadi International Airport yesterday morning.

Team:

Simione Tamanisau (Goal Keeper) Lautoka (Captain), Avinesh Waran Suwamy (Utility) Ba, Posiano Kalisito (Defender) Rewa, Samuela Vula (Defender) Suva, Taniela Waqa (Defender) Hekari-PNG, Alvin Singh (Utility) Ba, Pita Bolaitoga (Midfield) Hekari-PNG, Osea Vakatalesau (Striker) Ba, Alvin Avinesh (Midfield) Lautoka, Roy Krishna (Striker) Waitakere-NZ, Remeuru Tekiata (Defender) Ba, Ilaitia Tuilau (Defender) Hekari-PNG, Maciu Dunadamu (Striker) Hekari -PNG, Samuela Kautoga (Defender) Amicale-Vanuatu, Apisai Smith (Utility) Rewa, Archie Watkins (Striker) Nadroga, Peni Finau (Defender) Lautoka (Vice Captain), Ilisoni Logaivau (Midfield) Rewa, Misaele Draunibaka (Midfield) Rewa, Beniaminio Mateinaqara (Goal Keeper) Nadi. Officials - Tarunesh Reddy- National team director/Fiji FA vice president, Juan Carlos Buzzetti- National Football Director /National Coach, Imdad Ali - National Senior Coach, Kamal Suwmay- Assistant National Senior Coach, Usenio Logaivau - Team Manager, Varoon Karan - Physio