A WEEK of training in the village of Naduri in the Sigatoka Valley is what fueled the Nadroga under-13 Kaji rugby team to prepare themselves for the Vodafone Fiji Kaji/Kajiana Rugby Competition.
The team is made up of 35 players from various schools around the Nadroga district and according to team manager Akuila Madua.
“We are bringing 35 players to expose them to this platform.
“I know this is a good place where some players will be nurtured to prepare them for secondary schools and other doors that are opened for overseas rugby, so this is where it begins,” Madua said.
“We know this will be a place where talented players in the future will be brought up from.
A challenge faced by the team is the vast spread of the players homes, with some coming in from around the Sigatoka area and others from as far as the island of Vatulele.
“We went through some challenges such as where the players reside, and having to get them together into camp and train and secondly, this was the school break,” he mentioned.
“Some players left, since they couldn’t make into camp however we didn’t falter in trying to ensure we reached Suva this week.
Despite these setbacks, the players were reminded to give it their best, persevere and make their parents proud.
“We showed the players that when we come into Suva, they should enjoy playing, play to their best and most importantly, enjoy the school break currently underway and for their parents to be pleased since they have come from Nadroga and other parts they reside in,” he said.
The Nadroga team beat Lautoka 5-0 on day one on Tuesday and in yesterday’s match against Tavua/Vatukoula, drew five-all.
The competition will end today.
