NADI Muslim College’s under-14 rugby team is creating history after qualifying for the Fiji Secondary Schools Deans national quarter-finals, marking a significant milestone for a school traditionally known for football.
Principal Mohammed Feroz said the achievement reflected the players’ commitment, the coaches’ hard work and the school’s growing investment in rugby.
The side is now preparing for a crucial Nadi Secondary Schools Rugby Association district final against rugby powerhouse Ratu Navula College before turning its attention to the national quarter-finals.
“We’re taking every game as it comes,” Feroz said.
“We’ve provided the resources, finance, equipment and the time the coaches and players need to review their performances and improve on the areas they lack. We are looking at nothing less than victory.”
Feroz acknowledged the challenge posed by Ratu Navula, describing them as a well-established rugby school, but said his players had earned the belief they could compete with the best.
Although Nadi Muslim has fielded teams in the U15, U16 and U17 grades, this is the first year the school has entered the U14 division, making the quarter-final qualification even more significant.
The principal said the school decided to expand into rugby to provide more sporting opportunities for students who were not involved in football.
“Nadi Muslim College has always been a soccer-oriented school, but we wanted every student to have an opportunity to participate in sport,” he said.
“This achievement shows that if you work hard, stay disciplined, provide the right resources and have good coaching and mentoring, any school can achieve its goals.”
Feroz said the players had shown remarkable commitment since the beginning of the season, with their confidence growing after defeating Ba Pro Free Bird Institute to secure qualification.
Feroz has also called on parents, former students and supporters to turn out in numbers for today’s district final against Ratu Navula College.
The match between will kick off at 2.30pm today at Ratu Navula College ground.
