Growing up in the village of Nadroumai in Cuvu, Sigatoka, Kiniviliame Naholo never thought he would get the opportunity to play professional rugby and let alone for a Super Rugby team.
Naholo attended Nadroumai Primary School from Year One to Eight before joining Cuvu College from 2013 to 2016.
He joined Hastings Boys High School later in 2016 and from there, the rest as they say is history.
Naholo and Kalaveti Ravouvou have organised a bus to cart their family members from Nadroga to the HFC Bank Stadium tomorrow.
And what a bus ride that will be. While both youngsters hail from Nadroumai Village, Naholo’s family will be there to cheer on his team — the Hurricanes, and Ravouvou’s squad will be there to support his side – the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
“I am really excited to be home, and to play here,” Naholo said.
“The boys know it will be a tough match, and no better place to be than here in Fiji. We know our task here is massive.”
The 24-year-old former Cuvu College student said the Hurricanes were aware of how vocal the Drua fans will be on Saturday, but their main focus was blocking out the noise and focusing on the match.
“Our main focus this weekend is knowing our individual tasks, figuring out each play and each call.
“I love the Drua team and the support they have behind them from the nation, but I will try and not let myself get distracted by what’s around me.” When asked about the bus trip from Nadroumai to Suva, he chuckled.
“Yes, Kala and I have organised a bus for them to come over and I actually don’t mind if they come in Drua colours to watch the game, as long as they turn up in numbers to support us, thats fine with me.”
Ravouvou’s mum and Naholo’s aunt, Luisa Ravouvou, said Naholo and Ravouvou were inseparable growing up.
The game is shaping up to be an interesting tussle because another of Naholo’s former schoolmates Ilaisa Droasese will be in the Drua starting side.
Naholo said he “knows a thing or two” about the way Droasese and Ravouvou play.
“I am really excited to play against him, we grew up together and went to school together and I know a thing or two about him so it will be a good game,” Naholo said.
Naholo said he was looking forward to going up against his former schoolmate.
“I will embrace the challenge and I know he is excited too,” the Hurricanes winger said.
“I am also looking forward to playing against Ila, we played for Cuvu College and I hope our former teammates and school mates will also be at the grounds. I know they will support the Drua, but I’m hoping some of them will come in Hurricanes colours.”
Naholo is the younger brother of former Highlanders winger and All Black, Waisake, and said he does not let that fact get to his head. Rather, he has set a goal for himself to stamp his own mark in the game.
“I don’t focus to much on the name as I’m trying to make something for myself.
“I’ve been learning the game by myself and not hang on too much on the name he has set for himself.
“I’m surrounded by some very, very talented players and to learn off Julian Savea is something we’re pretty lucky to have, especially as wingers. He has been teaching us a lot of stuff on attack and defence which has been really good for us.”
Naholo has kept mum on which country he would pledge his allegiance to in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup in France later this year, but said he would take one game at a time and focus on what lies ahead of him if he gets the chance.
“All I can say at the moment is that my focus is on the Hurricanes. I try to better my game every week and whatever happens after this season, we’ll see.”
He urged youngsters and rugby enthusiasts to set goals for themselves. “Everything is possible with hard work and sheer determination.
“My advice would be to set goals for yourselves. You’ll have set backs and problems along the way.
They say “Don’t let a setback stop you from making a comeback’ and that is something I try and do everytime I go onto the field. “Once you set your goal, work hard and persevere until you reach it.”
