The Fiji Bulikula Residents team has begun training yesterday to face the Canada Ravens on July 28, determined to prepare well despite no funds or sponsors secured yet.
Head coach Viliame Domo did not shy away from the challenge.
“When you talk about preparation, you need money. You need sponsors. You need the budget which we currently don’t have at the moment. So hopefully a good Samaritan will come along the way,” he said.
He shared memories of past sacrifices when he played for Fiji Bati at the World Cup qualifiers in 2006.
“When you mentioned Fiji, it’s worth dying for whether you have sponsors or you don’t have. We don’t have any sponsor. Vodafone was that. We only have one red T-shirt going for the World Cup. After the afternoon session, you wash it up, hang it and then that’s the same T-shirt you meet early in the morning,” he said.
Domo said the mindset of the players would make the difference.
“It’s mind over matter. It’s about whatever you think you transfer that into your heart, and that’s what your heart believes. So, if you can think outside of that box and believe that you can do it, you can, you will,” he said.
He advised the squad to be ready for tough sessions ahead.
“Never give up. Man, I’m thinking of sand dunes before the game week. It’s going to be tough, but end of the day, it’s Fiji,” he said.
Domo praised the players who put their hands up to represent their country.
“I call them champions, man. They’re champions,” he said.
The full team includes the forwards, Salacieli Seutoba (Ra High School), Vika Sadrau and Lotise Naikobima (Yasawa Saints), Losalini Cikaitoga and Amy Peters (USP Raiders), Louisa Ruth and Meresiana Tareguci (MGM), Vitorina Toga (Namoli West Tigers), Asenaca Vesinawalagi and Sereana Lutu (Lami Steelers).
In the backline are Adi Sokula, Naomi Tegu and Melania Vosamosi (USP Raiders), Keresi Latidreketi and Mereiva Latidreketi (Naitasiri High School), Vasemaca Duva (Namoli West Tigers), Vasiti Rekisa (MGM), and Litia Kereburogo (Lami Steelers).
