Minor setbacks not a hinderance but a stepping stone for Nanukuloa

Limited training resources haven’t hindered Nanukuloa’s quest to become Fiji Rugby’s second division champion and to qualify for Fiji Rugby’s tier 1 competition.

These were the sentiments shared by Nanukuloa team manager Mr.Veretareki Navunidakua as he pointed out how his boys were encouraged and determined to reach the best of their ability with whatever resources they’ve got.

The team is made up of 4 districts from Ra province, Rakiraki, Saivou, Nalawa, and Nakorotubu.

Navunidakua emphasized that these players all come from a humble beginning and they understand how to work hard when there’s less to achieve whatever they’re aiming for.

This situation does not only encourage the players to work harder but also ignites hunger within the boys as they crave for success and the top spot in this year’s Vodafone Vanua Championship.

“We’ve got unlimited resources in terms of preparing our athletes for top-level competition, we’ve got no gym, we’re only working with the few pieces of equipment we’ve got.”

“However that this won’t dampen our spirit of getting prepared to reach the top and be the best. Pre-season preparation for the Nanukuloa Rugby team also really got us to the right tune and we are prepared more than ever and ready to kickstart our Vodafone Vanua Championship.”

Veretareki explained how the presence of former Naitasiri coach Reverend Joji Rinakama has also played a vital role in the preparation of the team.

“We’ve done a bit of change to our team’s management as we’re looking to climb up at another level. Pastor Rinakama has jumped on board as our new team Manager and from when he joined in, he’s been really helpful.”

“We just work on whatever resource we’ve got and from the experience of Pastor Rinakama, he’s been guiding us so well.”

Veretareki added that their target coming into this year’s competition has been the same and that is to qualify for Fiji Rugby’s top competition.

“This year our aim is the same form ever since we started at this competition, to win this tier two tournament and promoted to Fiji Rugby’s top competition, that’s what’s kept us going and working hard as we know we’ve got a task to fulfill, we’ll not stop until we get there.”

Nanukuloa take on Ra this Saturday (22 August) 3pm at FSC ground, Rakiraki. 

16 teams will be participating in this years Vodafone Vanua Championship.