STRONG leadership, a fast start and winning the physical battle will be key as the MacDonalds Fiji Drua Women’s side prepares for its Super W home semi-final against the Queensland Reds this Saturday.
Having led the team in their last two matches of the regular season, captain Kolora Lomani believes the team is in a strong position heading into one of its biggest games of the year.
“As captain, it’s very important to lead the team, but I still have a lot of help from the senior girls in the squad like Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake and Keleni Marawa. The girls have been doing well on and off the field.”
Lomani also praised the impact of the squad’s new players, saying they had earned their place through hard work and commitment.
“The new girls have deserved their place in the team. They’ve worked hard over the past few weeks and months to earn their spot, and they’ve been showing that in training.”
The Drua Women enjoyed a short break after finishing the regular season on top of the Super W standings before shifting their attention to the Reds.
Lomani said the coaching staff had already identified key areas the team needed to sharpen ahead of Saturday’s knockout clash in Lautoka.
“We had a good rest last week and now we’re back preparing. The coaches have pointed out a few areas we need to improve, and we’re working through those every day.”
Despite home-ground advantage, Lomani stressed the Reds remain a dangerous opponent.
“We’re not taking the Reds lightly and we’re not underestimating them. Our main focus is to have a strong start in the first 20 minutes and win the collisions. We’ve been working hard on those areas since the start of the week.”
The experienced forward said playing a home semi-final for the first time in two years has lifted the squad, with the opportunity to perform in front of family and supporters providing extra motivation.
“The girls are really excited to play in front of our family and friends. We’re not putting too much pressure on ourselves. We’re just focusing on what we need to do and taking it one day at a time leading into the semi-final.”
The Drua Women will face the Reds this Saturday at 1.05pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
