From Marist Legacy to Future Champion: The Inspiring Connection Between PS Nemani and Kirikiti Biu

In the storied halls of Marist Brothers High School, a remarkable mentorship has taken shape between one of Fiji's most accomplished sportsman and administrator and a rising young multi-sport talent, highlighting the school's continuing legacy of athletic excellence.

Permanent Secretary Jone Maritino Nemani, a celebrated Marist Brothers alumnus and former sprint champion and former Suva and Fiji football captain, has taken promising athlete Kirikiti Biu under his wing through a personal sponsorship that connects two generations of Marist athletic talent.

The young Biu has already made his mark as this year's Coca-Cola Games sub-junior champion in both 100m and 200m events, helping secure three gold medals including the 4x100m relay for Marist Brothers. The talented teenager from Ba province is also making waves in football as a member of both the Fiji Under-15 national squad and Marist's Under-17 team.

"What we're seeing in Kirikiti is extraordinary potential across multiple sports," said a Marist Brothers coach who has worked with both athletes. "Having someone like PS Nemani guiding him creates a powerful connection between our school's proud past and its promising future."

The parallels between mentor and mentee are striking. Decades before Biu's current success, Nemani dominated the same sprint events at the Coca-Cola Games, winning races across all divisions from junior to senior grades.

Nemani was only the second senior boys sprinter in the competition's history to clock 10.9 seconds in the 100m, equaling Viliame Lilidamu's record of 1979. This was later broken by Samu Loiti at 10.80 sec, Viliame Nasuku at 10.7 sec and Banuve Tabakaucoro at 10.50 sec, all of Marist Brothers. Mr Nemani also set a sub-junior 100m record that stood unbroken for 14 years.

Beyond the track, Nemani carved out an impressive football career as both Suva football captain and later coach, before making history as the first iTaukei to serve as Suva Football Association President.

His leadership extended to the national level, where he captained the Fiji football team for many years, earning both gold and silver medals at the Pacific Games.

Nemani turned his leadership skills to rugby and played for the famous Nabua rugby club where he grew up alongside Fiji rugby superstars like Waisale Serevi, Tomasi Cama senior, Rauluni brothers, Paulisasi Tabulutu, Filimoni Seru, Dere brothers, Apisai Mucunabitu to name a few and became president of Nabua Rugby Club for many years. Nemani also played for Raiwaqa Rugby Club.

And to professionalism and public service where he now serves as Permanent Secretary and CEO of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

His corporate governance and leadership experience includes chairing multiple local and international organization Boards.

The connection between these two athletes transcends their shared sporting disciplines.

Both excel in sprinting and football while representing the proud Marist Brothers tradition—a legacy of excellence that has produced numerous national champions and representatives across multiple sports.

For young Biu, having a financial school support for his education and a mentor who has navigated both sports excellence and professional leadership provides an invaluable blueprint for his own journey.

"This relationship exemplifies the Marist Brothers ethos of service, values and the Marist 5 pillars," said a school official. "PS Nemani is giving back to the institution that helped shape him by supporting the next generation of talent."

As Biu continues to develop his athletic gifts under Nemani's guidance and support, their story represents the continuing cycle of excellence, mentorship, and achievement that has defined Marist Brothers' contribution to Fijian sports for generations.