New Fiji 7s squad member Elia Canakaivata’s wish daily is for his father and brother to be alive to watch him play his first international rugby tournament. He lost his brother Lodoviko Degei and namesake father in a fatal road accident at Matacula Village in Tailevu last December.
As his family draws near to the one-year anniversary of their passing, Elia Jr’s wish is that his father and brother are alive to celebrate his achievement with him.
“I thank the Almighty God for giving me this opportunity to be chosen for the Fiji 7s squad,” he said.
“I never dreamt that I will be chosen in the squad and I only hope my father and brother was here to celebrate with me.
“They both had hopes in me that one day I will wear the white jersey and when that time came, both are no longer with me. It is a very painful time for me knowing that they won’t witness my first international tournament.
“They won’t watch me on television or cheer for me when I am on the field, but one thing that I know that they will be cheering for me in Heaven.”
The Navunisole, Tailevu lad, who has maternal links to Sawa Village in Verata, is a soldier and plays for the Army 7s team. He is among the 10 new players who will represent Fiji in the Dubai 7s on the 27-28 of this month.
“It’s a whole new journey for me moving another level up. I carry the expectations of my family, my village, my workplace and will proudly represent them in Dubai.
“I need to work more on my fitness, basics ball handling and passing skills, but most importantly discipline.”
He dedicates his achievement to his mother Salome Ranadi and sister Viniana Canakaivata.
He also hopes to represent Army in the FMF Sukuna Bowl challenge when he returns from Dubai.
