An injury ended his sports career - and began his sportswear empire

Feb 244 min read

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Talofa lava and welcome. This isn’t just another business hustle story—this is a journey of heart, hustle, and a deep connection to culture. Tunganekore Kevene Fuavao - known to many as Kevin Fuavao - founder of Manu Golf, didn’t just wake up one day and decide to launch a brand. Life knocked him down first, and it was in those quiet, heavy moments that a new dream took shape.

Rugby Was the Dream—Until It Wasn’t

Kevin’s story starts on the rugby field, chasing the professional dream. With contracts lined up, including a potential run with the Tonga A-Team, everything seemed locked in. But life, as it does, threw him a curveball. A broken leg. Just two weeks before his chance to take the field in France.

That injury wasn’t just physical—it hit deep. His whole identity was wrapped up in the game. Rugby was life. And just like that, it was gone. “At the time, my life felt like it was in pieces,” Kevin shares. But sometimes, losing what you thought was your destiny opens space for something even bigger.

Finding New Purpose in Business

Down but not out, Kevin found himself turning to something new—business podcasts. Hours spent listening, learning, and absorbing everything about entrepreneurship lit a fire he didn’t expect. “I didn’t realise business was going to be my thing until I couldn’t play rugby anymore,” Kevin admits.

But starting wasn’t easy. His first business didn’t take off the way he hoped, and that knocked his confidence. He felt lost, until a connection with the Pacific Business Trust and PEP helped him find his feet again.

“Working with Marie through PEP gave me back my passion. Without them, Manu wouldn’t even exist,” Kevin says.

The Birth of Manu Golf: Culture Meets Ambition

Manu means "animal" or "bird" across Polynesian languages - fitting for a brand built around golf, where a ‘birdie’ is a prized score. But it goes deeper than just a clever name. It’s about flight. Freedom. Taking up space where Pacific people have been underrepresented.

For Kevin, Manu Golf isn’t just a brand—it’s a statement. “Golf’s always been seen as a white sport,” he says bluntly. “But why can’t Pacific people be out there, owning that space?”

His dream is to inspire other Pacific players to step into golf and feel proud of who they are. “I wanna see more Pacific faces on the green. More Tony Finaus, more Michael Campbells.”

The Power of Mentorship and Community Support

Kevin’s journey back into business wasn’t solo. His fiancée was his rock, constantly encouraging him to push forward, even after a long day of work. “She wasn’t hard on me—she just reminded me of why I started,” Kevin shares.

But it wasn’t just family. Finding a Pacific mentor who understood the cultural load—church commitments, family responsibilities, and the weight of representing your people—made all the difference. “A mainstream mentor wouldn’t get that. I needed someone who understood the Pacific way of life.”

Golf as a Space for Healing and Growth

Golf, for Kevin, became more than a hobby—it was therapy. “There’s something powerful about being on the course, just you and the ball. No opponent, just your own mindset.”

During lockdown in Australia, when other sports were off-limits, golf became Kevin’s escape. His first games were rough—“I hit 131 shots in one round!” he laughs—but that one clean shot that landed perfectly on the green? “That’s the feeling I’ve been chasing ever since.”

Beyond the competition, golf became a place for Pacific men to open up. “On the course, people share stuff they wouldn’t say anywhere else. It’s more than a game—it’s connection, culture, and mental health rolled into one.”

Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy

Kevin’s vision for Manu Golf is bigger than apparel. He dreams of sponsoring Pacific golfers one day, breaking down the financial barriers that stop many from even trying the sport. “Golf isn’t cheap,” Kevin admits. “Clubs, fees, gear—it adds up fast. But I want to be the reason someone gets to chase that dream.”

The Hustle Never Stops

Balancing a full-time job with the New Zealand Defence Force, a side hustle, and preparing for fatherhood? That’s a lot. But Kevin’s engineering mindset helps him break challenges down into manageable pieces. “You solve the small problems first. Chop them up into bite-sized chunks and keep moving forward.”

His message for anyone on their own hustle? “It’s all about mindset. If you believe the obstacle’s too big, it will be. But if you chip away at it, you’ll be surprised at how far you can go.”

Conclusion: Purpose. Power. Pacific Pride.

Kevin Fuavao’s journey is proof that setbacks don’t define you—how you bounce back does. Manu Golf isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement for Pacific representation, cultural pride, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

Thinking about chasing your dream? Just remember Kevin’s words: “Start small. Don’t overthink it. Just hit that ball forward—and keep going.”