It was not an easy time for Digicel Fiji Sevens coach Iliesa Tanivula's father, Iliaseri Varo, to hear criticisms leveled against his son when he replaced Waisale Serevi as the national sevens coach.

Speaking to our sister radio station Viti FM from their Namotomoto home, an emotional Varo said when Tanivula took up the Sevens coaching job, his family had to live with the fact that they will be verbally abused and criticized.

Varo added that before Tanivula left for his first Sevens coaching assignment in the New Zealand Sevens in Wellington, his parting words to his son at the Nadi Airport were "Son, have faith, as you did not apply for the coaching job but you was appointed by the Fiji Rugby Union".

The last time they spoke before the side jetted out for Dubai was on Friday.

Varo said his son had already assured him that he will try his best to return with the Melrose Cup on Monday morning, and the village of Namotomoto where he hails from, together with the neighbouring villages of Nakovacake and Navoci, will host the team.

For the famly, Tanivula's achievement does not come as a surprise as he was an all-rounder in sports, but they never dreamt that he will become a national coach.

For Tanivula's dad, his only wish was for his mother to be still alive to see their son's achievements as she was his biggest motivator from his young days in Namaka Public School where Tanivula represented the school in soccer.

He then went to Natabua High School where he was the anchor man in the 4 by 100 metres relay team that set a new record in 1992.

Tanivula was also in the Natabua soccer and rugby teams and was in the Fiji U-18 team that toured New Zealand in 1992 where his talent was spotted by the Auckland scouts.

The FRU 2008 coach of the year, who won the Digicel Cup, Farebrother Sullivan Cup and the Colonial Cup last year, is the only local player who played in 3 franchise teams in Super Rugby where he appeared for the Auckland Blues, the ACT Brumbies and the Otago Highlanders.

He was also the NPC Player of the Year in NZ in 2003.

Rugby and soccer has been in the blood for the Tanivula family as Iliesa's father played for the Nadi rugby and soccer teams from 1972 to 1976.

His uncle Savenaca Waqa represented Fiji in soccer and was one of the best goalkeepers in his days.