The former Fijian national football player was one of ten women learning the art of live commentary at the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup and Oceania Netball World Cup Qualifiers.
“In 2003, while starting off my teaching career, I was approached to join the national women’s team for the 2003 South Pacific Games. The following year, I was again called up to play the OFC Olympic qualifiers.”
Finau then went onto become a referee and senior FFA match official. With sheer hard work and determination, promotion to OFC and FIFA competitions followed suit.
“Last month I was approached by Mai TV Director, Stanley Simpson, who believed that my previous experience as an international referee could prove an asset in commentary.”
After being introduced to Peter Longman (sports broadcaster) two weeks prior to the training, I started my commentary journey and I have never looked back” she says.
Finau’s talent shined through in training and opportunities opened up immediately.
She was asked to be part of the official live coverage for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup after completing the training when broadcasters heard her practice.
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