TIMOCI Wainiqolo will forever treasure the Digicel Fiji's Gold Coast 7s victory as one of the major highlights in his glittering coaching career.
The former Fiji 7s star has continued his success coaching story guiding the national team to victory in the opening leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series over the weekend in Australia.
The Levani Botia-captained Fiji walloped New Zealand 32-14 to defend the Gold Coast 7s title and take the early lead in the series points table.
Wainiqolo, who doesn't hold any coaching certificate, thanked God for helping him in his first major assignment as the national team mentor.
The national 7s assistant coach was assigned to lead the team to the Gold Coast 7s as head coach Alivereti Dere is under travel sanctions to Australia.
Wainiqolo said this 'perfect' start would not have been possible without the support of the players and his family members.
"This is indeed a big boost to my coaching career. I have been with the team for only two weeks and to win an IRB tournament in such a short time is an overwhelming experience," the 1991 Hong Kong 7s hero said.
Wainiqolo, who is a religious person, thanked the nation for the prayers.
"I thank everyone who prayed for me and the team especially my family and church. We felt the power of the prayers at the tournament and we thank God for this victory."
Wainiqolo stood out as coach with the Wardens team which won numerous major domestic tournaments under his guidance.
He then coached the Namosi team to win the Fiji Rugby Union B-grade title and later defeated Rewa to make the tier one provincial competition for next year.