NATABUA High School will have three teams contesting the Western Secondary Schools Deans Trophy finals at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this Saturday.
Principal Virendra Sharma confident his students are ready for the challenge.
The school will feature in the Under-18 boys, Under-18 Raluve girls and Under-15 boys.
Sharma described as one of the toughest competitions in recent years.
For the under-18 boys, Sharma expects another intense battle this Saturday against the undefeated Cuvu College as this match is the final round robin match for the Under 18 teams and serve as a decider for the top four teams from the western division to qualify for the National Deans U18 quarterfinals.
“It is a must-win situation for our under-18 boys,” he said.
“Last year we played Cuvu College in the final and this year we are in another final. We expect a torrid encounter, with no inches given by either side. Hopefully my boys will be up to the task because it is a do-or-die situation.”
Sharma said this year’s competition has shown there are no easy matches.
“My observation this year is that no team can be underestimated. The place we are at the moment has been hard-earned.”
He said the quality of competition had increased, with knockout matches being played at a level comparable to the Deans championship.
“All the divisions quarter-finals and semi-finals have been nothing less than Deans quarterfinals. It is pleasing to note because it has lifted the standard.”
Sharma credited the teams’ success to consistent preparation despite balancing a demanding school calendar.
“We have tried to be consistent with our training. Our school does a great number of activities, so we try to keep the balance between academics and extracurricular activities while ensuring our players are well prepared.”
He also acknowledged the support from parents and the school’s old scholars.
“The parents have supported us in terms of care and financially, while the old scholars have always come in whenever we needed them. It shows the importance of engaging all our stakeholders.”
Sharma called on supporters to turn out in numbers at Lawaqa Park.
“Every time we take the field, we keep in mind the expectations of our supporters. Be assured that all the Natabua teams will give their very best to keep the school flag high.”
