Defending Vodafone Cup champions Vusu Raiders rugby league may have lost their opening match 15-10 to the Nadera Panthers at Buckhurst Park in Suva on Saturday, but team manager Sosiceni Nawaqaliva Tora remains proud of the team’s fighting spirit.
Tora said the coaching panel was pleased with the boys’ performance, especially in the second half.
“The never say die attitude was there until the final whistle,” Tora said.
“This loss is a good wake-up call. It will help us re-strategise, self-reflect and improve. Last year’s success is history, this year is a different ball game.”
The team, formerly known as Namatakula Raiders, rebranded to Vusu Raiders in 2017 to represent the Tikina of Vusu, which includes the villages of Namatakula, Komave and Biausevu.
The squad draws players from Naboutini to Biausevu, with the majority from Namatakula.
Tora confirmed that the team is in transition, with only seven players from last year’s championship-winning squad taking the field on Saturday, alongside six debutants.
“But we’re not using that as an excuse,” he said.
“One of the debutants was even our best player yesterday.”
The Vusu Raiders have set three goals for the 2025 rugby league season and that is to build the team on the foundation of God’s word, to retain the Vodafone Cup, and to win the Melanesian Cup against the Papua New Guinea champions.
“The first goal is being achieved through spiritual enhancement during training and camps. The rest will unfold with time,” he added.
Tora also gave credit to Nadera for their strong performance.
“Hats off to Nadera. They brought their A-game. This loss keeps us grounded and reminds us to stay hungry.”
Vusu Raiders will now regroup as they look ahead to their next match in the Vodafone Cup campaign.
