Training with only large tyres, overcoming financial challenges and crossing the seas to get to Viti Levu is what drove the under-17 team from Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Labasa to beat Queen Victoria School (QVS) 28-27 in the Vodafone Deans playoffs in Suva last Saturday.
Khalsa College kept a steady lead on the scoreboard and a firm grip on their opponents at half-time with points registered at 14-10.
When the match resumed after the breather, both teams were recharged with more pace, energy and speed as the high stakes became more apparent as the clock ticked to full-time.
The defining moment for the Labasa-based school came through in the match’s dying stages as they maintained their composure against a resolute QVS as the scales of victory were tipped in their favour.
Following the match, team manager Ana Maria Raiyaki highlighted the importance of the match.
“We came with a goal to win, and we worked hard in the field to get it,” Raiyaki said.
“Preparation was tough coming all the way from Labasa, the boys knew this is an important game.
“If we lose, it’s over, we have to wait for another chance next year, the boys really gave their all in the field, and getting this win is a big achievement for the school and our families back home.”
Elated and grateful
For a team coming from the North, they had to fundraise for not just their way to Viti Levu but the entirety of their participation in the Deans competition.
On Saturday night, long after the dust settled at Buckhurst Park in Suva, The Fiji Times spoke to team coach Iliesa Daveivalu and he expressed his pride at the result produced by the young brigade.
The team visited him and the players in Raiwai, Suva where they were billeted.
“After the game today, I can only thank the players for working together and being united,” Daveivalu said.
“Even though we are a small team, we have managed to reach a stage where we managed to defeat Queen Victoria School today (Saturday).”
The young brigade from Labasa booked their ticket to the playoffs after they beat Lekutu Secondary School 21-18 to win the under-17 grade of the Deans Northern Zone competition on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Tyres and strength
Earning their way to the national playoffs was the culmination of hard work, determination and overcoming challenges for them.
“For our preparations, we prepared for a very long time starting from our games in Labasa, onto the playoffs in Labasa and up until today (Saturday), we are so happy that we managed to beat Queen Victoria School,” he explained.
Defeating their opponents from Nukuvuto, Tailevu was the biggest upset of the entire competition nationwide on Saturday and it came through from a preparation and training phase where they did not have the proper training equipment and needed to compromise.
In this case, the team had to rely on working out with tyres used for heavy vehicles and machinery to achieve their training objectives.
“They used the large tyres for heavy vehicles and at most times, we would do body exercises since we did not have the proper equipment so we just had to improvise so that it could suffice in our preparations for the competition,” he said.
Raising funds
Getting this far into the national play-offs was no easy feat for the Labasa-based school, as they had to find ways to raise funds for their needs and most especially, their way across to Viti Levu.
Daveivalu explained it involved the assistance of parents who contributed to their journey out of their own pockets.
“The preparation we had for this (Deans), we faced a lot of challenges especially in organising our finances.
“We’re thankful to the parents for their support and for their guidance and care as they gave from their pockets to help in our preparation for the play-offs.”
“The fundraising efforts made by the parents helped us make the journey across.”
He added when they made it into the national playoffs, the support from all of them had increased as a result.
The road ahead
As they now set their sights on the national quarterfinals this week at Prince Charles Park in Nadi, the grateful coach expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders that played a part in their journey so far.
“Firstly, I would like to thank the Lord for his guidance in all of our lives, in the lives of the players and for providing us with what they have to eat and to drink,” he acknowledged.
“To our parents for their support, and for facilitating the journey of the players to cross over for the Deans playoffs.
“And not forgetting the school and its administrators for their supporting the team at all games they play in.”
Meanwhile, the team will remain in Suva this week and plans to place the players in schools around Suva for the time-being before they head down to Nadi for the quarter-finals.
