SUVA Grammar School athletics coach Jone Delai has labelled the school as underdogs in the race to win the boys’ division at the Fiji Finals.
The former national sprinter says they understand the vast level of competition expected in the division and the challenge posed.
When asked how his team views competitors such as Marist Brothers High School and Natabua High School for instance, he said these schools were regarded as the favourites for the title.
“First of all, they are the favourites right now because they are zone winners and like us and a few other schools, we are underdogs,” Delai said.
With a modest acknowledgement to their prowess and strength, he emphasised on the athletes knowing what was at stake.
“And I know the athletes, they know what they are capable of and they are ready to go and do their best,” he added.
And not wishing to be outdone in the modesty stakes, Marist Brothers High School athletics coach Antonio Raboiliku described Grammar as “natural champions” but Delai was quick to point out that this would be a Herculean task to achieve and maintain during the competition.
“We have our own things going on, you see the athletes from other schools, you check out the results and you know where the strength lies,” he said.
“And it’s up to them on the day, whoever executes the best is going to win and may the best team win.”
Grammar’s quest for glory at the Fiji Finals has been established since their interhouse meet and when they finished second in the boys division at the Suva Zone two athletics competition last month.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Finals will start tomorrow at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
