With limited experience and support, Dreketi Central College’s under-16 rugby team has defied odds to reach the semi-finals of the Weet-Bix Raluve competition.
The head coach, Isoa Bogitini, credited their success to their focus on mental, physical, and spiritual preparation.
“Preparations were great, we were working on three areas, and those areas were to prepare the team mentally, physically and spiritually, and I think that has helped us to reach this stage in the semi-finals, and we are looking forward for game day,” said Bogitini.
“We have a respect for our opponent, and we regard them as the best team so far, as they are the current champions of the Raluve U16 grade.”
Despite facing challenges in garnering community support for girls’ rugby, the team was grateful for the backing of the Dreketi community in Suva and the assistance of the Fiji Police Force.
“The community in Dreketi was not totally engaged on the way we were trying to build up rugby for the girls, because usually rugby was just for the boys in our area.
“It was a new idea when girls rugby came in, so most of the time there was little support, nobody thought we would reach this level, but now when we reached this stage, we are slowly getting the support, especially from the Dreketi community that is here in Suva, and we are so thankful for them, and we are also thankful for the kind assistance by the Fiji Police Force for leading the team camp at their barracks.”
Bogitini emphasised the importance of faith and the support of the community as they gear up for a crucial match against defending champions.
“I’m thankful to the Almighty that gives us the knowledge and the skills for the team to reach this far, and we are hoping for a great semi-final.”
As the team looks to make history as the first from their area to compete at this level, they call upon fans, supporters, and the Dreketi community to rally behind them.
Dreketi Central faces Sigatoka Methodist at 10.10am at the HFC Bank Stadium today.