NAWAKA Women’s captain Torika Lesavua has urged her young team to believe in themselves when they face Lilian Amazons in the TISA Insurance Nadi Rugby Club competition women’s final at Prince Charles Park today.
Lesavua said preparation had been challenging because most of the Nawaka players were school students, while others were based in Sigatoka and Lautoka.
“Preparation’s been going well with the girls, but one of our main challenges is attending training every day,” Lesavua said.
“We don’t usually train together. Most of the time the girls are doing their own training, and some are missing training due to work commitments.
“This week, it’s just a few girls who have been coming in for training.”
Despite the challenges, Lesavua said the team remained focused on the final and respected Lilian Amazons as their rivals.
“We look at them as our rivalry on the field. I know there are more experienced players in their team, but I keep encouraging the girls not to look down on themselves, trust their potential and give their best.”
Lesavua said she was pleased with the progress of the team, with several players playing rugby for the first time after making the transition from sevens to the 15-a-side format.
“Most of the girls are playing rugby for the first time but looking at how they have performed in the past few tournaments, I’ve been really glad with them and their commitment to the team throughout the season,” she said.
She added that the players had adapted well to the demands of 15s rugby and were working hard with hopes of being selected for the club’s upcoming tour.
“They came in for the first time, transitioning from sevens to 15s, and they have adapted well to the two different games.”
Lesavua’s message to her teammates ahead of the final is simple — trust one another and work together.
“Never look down on yourselves. Trust and believe in each other and work together during this final,” she said.
She also called on Nawaka supporters to turn up in numbers and rally behind the team.
“Remember us in your prayers, come out in numbers and support us today and cheer the girls on in the final.”
The match will kick start at 2pm in Ground 2.
