Despite facing a six-year rugby ban, former Naitasiri U20 player Keresi Maya has overcome significant challenges to secure a spot in the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad for the Pacific Bowl Championship. Maya shared that he went through tough times, even feeling pushed to the brink of suicide, but his family’s support kept him going. He worked on his farm in Taveuni and joined the Fiji Rugby Union Referee Association, where he participated as a touch judge during the Marist 7s.
After the Marist 7s, Maya convinced his parents to let him join the Navy Albatross Rugby League team, and his hard work paid off when the head coach selected him. He hopes to showcase his talent and play alongside top players this Saturday against the PNG Kumuls at 8:10 p.m. at HFC Bank Stadium.
[Credit: FijiVillage]
