KAJI and Kajiana rugby districts outside the greater urban areas pour their hearts out and have the unconditional backing of parents and guardians, and it’s exactly what drove the Cakaudrove under-13 Kajiana team to victory.
The team won 12-5 over Nadroga in the final of the under-13 Kajiana grade at the Vodafone Fiji Kaji/Kajiana Rugby Competition, which concluded yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
For their strength and conditioning coach, Ravitesh Ronal Prasad, he shared how the win was the fulfilment of a concerted effort by all involved.
“Special thanks to the supporters. The atmosphere they created there was really a bonus for us,” Prasad said.
The team’s win yesterday was a redemption from their winless exit last year and he said it compelled them to do even better this year.
“It’s a proud moment for us. Last year, we lost in the final. We went back home and for one year, we sacrificed and promised that we would come back very strongly.”
“We never expected to win, but we did our best.”
During the three-day tournament that ended yesterday, he recalled how the team won two of their pool matches and drew one.
“We were only playing with 12 players and then coming to win this, it was never expected.”
A key factor that further enforced their passion to play and to succeed in it was the determination to do so.
Other results from the under-13 Kajiana grade:
Plate: Taveuni 19-10 Ra, Bowl: Rewa 19-5 Lautoka, Shield: Ovalau 19-0 Yasawa.
