“WHEN the games start we the coaches will be on the sideline, it will be up to you as a team to execute what we have trained you to do.”
These were the sentiments of Nadera Panthers head coach Vulaono Dakuitoga after the clubs three age grade teams final training run on Thursday evening ahead of today’s Vodafone Cup National age grade finals at the USP grounds in Suva.
Dakuitoga and his coaching team are demanding nothing but clinical execution from their three teams in todays finals.
Their under-13 and U15 teams will take on the Nabua Bronco’s while their U17 will meet USP Raiders in their grade final.
For the U15 coach Isikeli Lewaniqila making it to the finals is not something new for the defending champions.
“The boys have been preparing for the finals since day one, we have wrapped up our preparations and I trust the boys right from number one till number 20 to do the job today,” he explained.
“We expect a tough match from Nabua we are not underestimating them, but I trust my boys are ready to defend the title.”
For the Panthers U17 coach Virimi Lomasalato said his team is prepared to bring the U17 national title to Nadera.
“It’s going to be a physical match but like our head coach always says the team who man’s up during the game will come out victorious and we are ready to man up to the challenge,” he said.
Meanwhile the Panthers U15 team will be captained by Navitalai Qali, the young pivot has been a key driver in the team throughout the season.
He believes getting the basics right will be critical if they are to retain their title.
For the U17 Panthers captain and centre Peni Navurai the opportunity to create history today against the USP Raiders teamwork will be the decisive factor.
The national age grade finals will kick off today at 10am at the USP ground with the U13 finals between the Nadera Panthers and Nabua Broncos.
