God’s plan is Good, says Nacuqu’s Granny
Votua Village in Ba was a hive of activity as villagers welcomed Fiji Airways Fijian men’s rugby sevens playmaker and captain, Waisea Nacuqu.
It was a day filled with emotions for his 79-year-old grandmother, Makirina Titoko.
“It’s been 17 years since we last won the Melrose Cup and to see my grandson captain the national sevens team and winning the World Cup is the best feeling ever,” Titoko told SUNsports yesterday.
“Waisale Serevi was the captain of that winning team back in 2005, and now my grandson has made history for the whole of Votua.”
Before the opening whistle of the finals against New Zealand, Nacuqu’s home was already filled with relatives glued to the TV set.
“When the 7am bus came to pick the school children and those going to work, it went back half empty because everyone was still watching the game,
“The game was more important than catching the earliest bus out of the village,” Titoko laughed.
The proud grandmother couldn’t hold back her dance moves at the sound of the final whistle as the entire village went into celebration mode.
“People were shouting, beating empty tin drums, whatever that could make a lot of noise with,” she said.
Titoko remembered her grandson growing up as a quiet lad with a lot of respect for his elders.
“Though he did not go to university, God had other greater plans for his life.
“He loved rugby and used his talent to represent Fiji. That in itself is something every grandmother would be proud of,” she said.
Nacuqu also was a member of the national 7s team that won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
On the morning of the final, Titoko woke up and called their family members to the living room.
“He has not only made our family or village proud.
“He has also made the people of the province of Ba province very happy.
“We will continue to thank God for Waisea’s life.”
His welcome home celebration also included people from nearby settlements.