KALIOVA Saunirogo was filled with emotions as he witnessed his younger brother, Joji Nasova, make his debut for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. Despite challenging weather, including rain and flooded roads in Ba, Nasova’s family made the journey to Churchill Park in Lautoka to celebrate this significant milestone.
In a touching interview, Saunirogo emphasized the depth of this occasion for their family. “We come from a very humble background, starting our journey in the cane fields of Ba. Education wasn’t our strength, but we all agreed to let them move to Suva to pursue rugby. Fast forward a few years, and here we have Nasova playing for the Drua, while another brother is contracted in France,” he shared, tears in his eyes.
Saunirogo’s pride in his brother’s achievements is a reflection of their family’s resilience and sacrifices. “I cried the first time I saw him in that white jersey representing the Fiji 7s team. It’s been quite a journey. At one point, I was in Australia under the NEC scheme, supporting them in every possible way, and now he’s reached the level we always hoped for in rugby,” he recalled.
With great hope for Nasova’s performance, Saunirogo expressed his wish for him to excel and secure a place in the next game, which will be played in their hometown of Ba. “We told him to play to the best of his ability, score a few tries, and make sure he gets selected again. If that happens, it will be a special moment for our entire family. Relatives will definitely be there to cheer him on,” he stated.
As Nasova begins what is expected to be his first and last season with the Drua, there is great anticipation regarding the mark he will leave on the team’s future. His journey thus far stands as an inspiring testament to hard work and determination, embodying the dreams and aspirations of his family. With each match, Nasova has the opportunity to not only showcase his talent but also inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams.