On Monday, his father lost his life to a tragic fire incident, yesterday, as much as the death of his ‘tou’ crushed his life, Mitieli Navori stood tall with his brothers from Ratu Kadavulevu School to win the Vodafone Super Deans under-14 title.
Navori grieved the loss of his father alongside his teammates on the ground of Laucala Bay, turning it to be a key factor for the win.
Trailing 7-8 to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School at halftime, RKS played their hearts out in the second half to come away with a 22-8 victory.
While many cheered on their dominant performance, the team was clear on who and what they were playing for as tears rolled down their tiny, determined faces during the huddle at full time.
“It wasn’t an easy week for the team while preparing for the final but we thank God for getting us through. Eventhough I lost my father this week I thank God for giving me the strength to get through this with my brothers. I can only thank God for protecting me this far,” he shared.
Navori received the news of his father’s passing while in school but chose to play on, something he said his ‘tou’ would have wanted.
His dad was also a keen supporter of his rugby and the school as a whole, always volunteering to do things for the team.
The Nadroga youngster had the backing of the school principal, teachers, parents, old boys and most importantly his teammates throughout the week building up to final.
“He is the oldest of two siblings. He is also a pillar of strength for the boys, the resilience he showed boosted their morale,” team manager Eta Vakalutugone said.
RKS principal Ilaisa Waqalala wore a number 12 jersey to show his support for the inside centre. Navori had a plaster around his hand with the words ‘Rip Tou’ (rest in peace dad) written on it.
Waqalala told the team, parents and supporters that Navori will be taking the trophy down to Nadroumai.
It will return to Delainakaikai after the funeral next Tuesday.
The principal also decided that each player gets to keep the jersey they wore in the final.
Meanwhile, the team also received a $2000 prize money. Flanker Gabriel Ray Tuinaceva was named the Player of the match.
Losing finalists MGM received $1000.
