2019 Rugby World Cup logistics partner DHL Express Fiji yes­terday launched the nation­wide competition allowing one lucky Fijian child to deliver the official match ball at the RWC in Japan.

The match ball will be delivered during Fiji Airways Flying Fijians last pool match against Wales at Oita Stadium on October 9.

The launch was held at St Mar­cellin Primary School, Vatuwaqa, Suva and also in attendance were Flying Fijians squad members Frank Lomani and Eroni Mawi.

The competition is open to chil­dren between 8 to 15 years of age, also includes two return flights to Japan, two tickets to the match, a DHL merchandise kit, two nights’ accommodation and a personal match ball delivery photo as a me­mento.

DHL Country manager Mark Komene said: “DHL is honoured to be able to offer this once in a life­time opportunity to a Fijian child.

“To be able to experience all the magic of a Rugby World Cup held in Japan, it will be an amazing ex­perience for a lucky Fijian child and their parents.”

2015 RWC match ball winner Ma­nueli Rauqueqe spoke about his experience and says: “It was an electrifying atmosphere at Twick­enham Stadium when I delivered the match ball in Fiji’s first pool match against England.

“To run onto the field in front of 82,000 crowd was amazing.

“I thought I was still dreaming and what amaze me was hearing the Fijian fans cheer not only to the team but to me as well.

“Looking back four years ago, it was really an exciting experience as a 13-year old.”

Rauqeuqe is a Year 12 student at Natabua High School in Lautoka.

Children who wish to enter must submit their entry in writing ex­plaining in 20 words or less why they should deliver the match ball.

Entry forms will be available in the newspapers and DHL Express Fiji Facebook page.

A shortlist of children will be in­vited for an interview where the overall winner will be announced. Entries open on February 1 and close on March 1.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

The Suva Business House Fut­sal League’s organisers Bula Events Group have partnered with Ovaltine for this year’s compe­tition.

The competition’s defending cham­pions are the Fiji SUN and this year’s 5-a-side tournament kicks-off at the National Hockey Court on Tuesday, February 12. It will go on for 17 weeks.

“We expect to field 32 teams this year in comparison to the 20 teams that participated last year and the part­nership with such an iconic brand like Ovaltine could not have come at a better time,” tournament organ­iser Alan Kumar of the Bula Events Group said.

“The Futsal League is a great sports networking event for the Suva busi­ness community and this has been proven with the success we had last year. “

He said the major sponsorship an­nouncement is set to help create a big­ger and better tournament this year.

Ovaltine marketing manager Abra­ham Gomes, from Motibhai, said they are excited to partner with a sporting event for the first time.

“This is the first time the brand is involved in sponsoring a sporting event and we look forward to making it more exciting with our presence.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

Two former national sevens reps said the Gareth Baber- coached Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team can emulate their fine form at the Sydney sevens this weekend.

Police Constable Mitieli Nacagi­levu and Private Apisai Domolailai are both part of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel ear­marked for a one-year tour of duty with the Multi National Force and Observers mission in Sinai, Egypt.

“Last week successful result at Hamilton was the outcome of team­work, team bonding and unity that exist in the team,” Nacagilevu said.

“I believe that if the team brings in that same ingredients this week­end, than we are in for a fruitful weekend.”

Domolailai, a member of the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal winning team, said he was positive about the team’s performance this week­end.

“Although many of the players a young and new, they have shown their potential in the last two tour­naments,” he said.

He added great players rise to the occasion when it matters the most.

The former reps are part of the contingent undergoing six weeks training at the RFMF Blackrock Peacekeeping School in Votualevu, Nadi.

The draft training which began on Monday has been focusing on basic military skills, weapon training, first aid which includes physical fitness aims to challenge the men­tal and physical fitness of potential candidate before they are deployed.

“I have always heard about sol­diers being deployed to the Middle East for peacekeeping duties but to be part of it is a surreal experi­ence,” said Domolailai.

He said he had made new friends and is looking forward to his first tour of duty.

When asked how he feel after be­ing part of the national team trav­elling around the globe and now to be living as a soldier in the ‘tent vil­lage’ at Blackrock camp, the hum­ble Olympian said it was a different experience altogether and he’s en­joying every moment of it.

“I’m learning new things as this is totally different from basic recruit however I have some mates that are helping me out.”

Nacagilevu on the other hand said he was grateful to God for his guid­ance.

He said being part of the mili­tary’s pre-deployment training at Blackrock was a dream come true. “I would like to thank my family for the support and also the Com­missioner of Police for this oppor­tunity.

“I have always heard about sol­diers being trained at Blackrock camp before they are sent to war torn countries but to be part of it is both exciting and challenging. “I know that coming from a police background, I will need to quickly adapt to the military lifestyle and command structure.”

However, he said he was looking forward to their next week jungle training at Nausori highlands.

– RFMF Media Cell

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj

Australian-based Grace Korovata is targeting a spot in the Fijian Pearls at the 2019 Netball World Cup in England on July 12-21.

Korovata, 16, plays as a defender for Lee­ton Netball Club in New South Wales Coun­try and her mother Mereani Korovata is proud of her achievement.

“She’s only 16 and to be included in the 25 -member squad for Fiji is a great achieve­ment for my daughter,”Mereani said.

“She has been sacrificing a lot in training and her dedication has finally paid off.

“It’s an honour for her and privilege to be part of her country’s team, we all happy for her.”

Grace said; “I’m happy to be part of the squad and if I don’t make it, it’s okay be­cause I’m still 16 and have a long way to go but I’m happy to be identified and be part of the 25 member squad.”

The Veidrala, Nakorotubu, Ra native is the daughter of former Fiji Bati winger to the 1995 Rugby League World Cup Niu­maia Korovata who also represented Fiji in rugby union.

The former Police officer is now retired and is living with his wife and four chil­dren Anna, Ruth, Grace and only son Niu­maia Jnr in Leeton, NSW.

He originally played rugby union for the Police club, and played nine games, includ­ing three Test matches, for Fiji in 1990 and 1991.

Korovata then switched codes to rugby league. He joined the Yanco Wamoon Hawks in the Group 20 Rugby League com­petition, winning premierships with the team in 1994, 1995 and 1996. In 1995 he also represented the NSW Country sevens side. He also won the club’s Best and Fairest award in 1996.

His brother Pio Kubuwai was one of the Fiji Bati pioneers.

Now Grace aims to follow her dad’s and uncle footsteps and is already stamping her mark at the young age of 16.

Grace and her mother have been in the country since January 21 and will return to Australia on February 9.

“She needs my support and I’m already giving her my motherly support.”

– Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s players have to be at their best if they are to survive today’s pool matches.

The Fijians are the top seed in Pool A where they take on the Kameli Soejima captained- Japanese side, England and Samoa.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, head coach Gareth Baber said there are certain areas of the oppositions that they need to give attention to when they play them.

“There are certain things that we need to do because they are not easy oppositions,” Baber said.

“We trained very hard before we head into a game and try to get the performance and the mindset of the players to deliver their best.

“There are tactics that we want to use when we play against a few teams for instance Eng­land where we’ll need to play a structured game while Samoa will be more a physical en­counter.”

Baber said it would hard for them to repeat their winning performances as the other teams would be very much aware this time.

“Like any other team we need to work on the consistency of our performance. Looking at our performance last year we mostly had wins in the second leg and that proves our players ability to back up their performances.”

The Welshman said there are similar pro­cesses that they normally go through in terms of areas of their games from last week as this will make the players much better.

“So last week’s gone and we need to see what’s ahead of us and the game we need to play. We talked a lot about how to deliver during the game and we’ll make it happen.”

CAKAUBALAVU GETS NOD

Rookier forward Apenisa Cakaubalavu has stepped in for Paula Dranisinukula after Baber announced his 12-member squad.

Cakaubalavu narrowly missed selection for Hamilton and Baber applauded the young for­ward’s effort on the training track in pushing hard for a return to the tournament 12.

“I mentioned last week it was a tough deci­sion to not select Apenisa as he has been work­ing very hard at training and pushing the squad to produce their best,

“He has again proven himself on the field this week and we know he can do the job he needs to do this weekend.

“Dranisinukula steps back into 13th man this week as we manage his workload and return to full strength. We are fortunate to have this kind of depth in our ranks.” said Baber.

He reiterated all other squad members were at full fitness.

“The boys have had a good week, we’ve had the captain’s run, they’re getting themselves ready to go and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead, starting with Japan first up” he said.

FINAL 12

Cakaubalavu, Kalione Nasoko (C), Josua Vakurinabili, Meli Derenalagi, Mesulame Ku­navula, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Seremaia Tu­wai, Waisea Nacuqu, Terio Tamani, Vilimoni Botitu, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Alasio Naduva

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

The Labasa women’s football side are anticipating a tough battle against underdogs Tai­levu/Naitasiri in today’s Vodafone Women Inter-district Champion­ship semi-final at Fiji FA Academy ground in Suva.

Labasa head coach Arthur Sim­mons said after an impressive per­formance during the pool games he’s confident they would qualify for tomorrow’s final.

“Everything is on the hard work put in by the girls during training and the new players have gelled in well,” he said.

“Our preparation has been only for one and a half week because of ad­verse weather conditions.

“I’m thankful to the girls that they have been putting up a good per­formance until now and getting all three wins which is something we really didn’t expect.”

Simmons said he already has a game plan on how to handle Taile­vu/Naitasiri.

Looking at the other semi-final, Simmons said Suva can cause an up­set against defending champions Ba.

MATAELE WORKS ON DEFENCE

The Tailevu/Naitasiri women’s football side have strengthened their defence for today’s Vodafone Wom­en’s IDC semi-final clash against Labasa.

Coach/player Laisani Mataele told SUNsports yesterday that they have survived their pool games and are taking on the next challenge.

“It has been tough and very chal­lenging as well,” she said.

“The girls were a nervous but when they played their first game against Nadi, they felt confident and started scoring goals.

“This is despite the fact that we missed many attempts.

“The players played according to the game plan that was set out for them.”

Mataele said she has reminded the players the need to work on their mistakes and be aware of what is ex­pected of them.

“My advice to the players in or­der to achieve success they need to maintain team-work, communica­tion, discipline and to play their own game.”

WHAT’S ON TODAY

The first semi-final is a cracker be­tween favourites Ba taking on hosts Suva at 11am while the Labasa ver­sus Tailevu/Naitasiri clash is at 1.30pm.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team must main­tain last weekend’s Hamilton Sevens flair and nerve to win the Sydney Sevens.

Peni Lutudromu, the award-winning Saskatch­ewan, Canada rugby coach says with the very mindset Fiji is in good stead to hit the podium on Sunday and extend its lead on the World Sevens Series points table.

“Fiji needs to come into Sydney Sevens with the same winning attitude,” he said.

“Pick up where they had left off and play that Fijian game that they’re known world over.

Lutudromu, who was bestowed by Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Vaughn Solomon Schofield Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers award in 2017, says Fiji had everything good go­ing for them in Hamilton.

“Fiji needs the all-conquering start.”

He added, the team has everything, they play for one another, attack and defend, be that show­men and have ruthless efficiency that has become the hallmark of the side after the Cape Town and Hamilton Sevens.

MAJOR THREATS

Lutudromu said South Africa, Australia and USA would show up for the Sydney Sevens in the hopes of winning it all.

“South Africa would want to avenge its 29-7 Cup semi-final loss and while Australia who got beat­en 26-19 in the pool play would like to take a deci­sive run to retain the titl.

“They won in 2018, it’s Fiji that is hot on the heels that could win its treble title with pure ease.

“All Fiji need to do is to play with the same inten­sity, flair and verve, maintain discipline and that would just do in Sydney.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

The parents of a national wom­en’s footballer say they wit­nessed head coach Christophe Gamel allegedly storm into their Ba home last year and threaten their daughter.

Sunil Rao and Tokasa Vua, the par­ents of defender Sonali Rao, said they felt disrespected by Gamel’s alleged behaviour.

The alleged incident happened as the team was preparing to march into camp for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.

Gamel allegedly told Rao after she refused to go to camp that he would slap her “in front of her parents” if she did not.

“I witnessed him tell my daughter: you want me to slap you right in front of your parents,” Rao said.

“I was caught by surprise and felt very bad. He just opened the door and came inside; it was very insulting.

“I have never once slapped my daughter and if the coach ever does it, I will take him to court.”

Rao and Vua confirmed that wom­en’s head coach, Marika Rodu, was also present during the alleged inci­dent.

They believe Gamel would not have treated players in his native France, or any other European or Western coun­try, like he allegedly did players in Fiji.

They feel Gamel was taking advan­tage of the Fijian players’ culture of respect.

SUNsports spoke to more parents yesterday, who all said they were hesitant to send their daughters to the national team after learning about Gamel’s alleged behaviour.

This is the first time the parents have spoken out since Fiji SUN reported Gamel’s alleged bullying of the wom­en’s players on January 26.

He has also been in the spotlight for allegedly assaulting five national Un­der-23 men’s players – which the coach has denied doing.

Gamel was sent an email and text message yesterday seeking his re­sponse to the allegations, along with a request for a face-to-face interview.

He did not respond by the time this edition went to press.

Questions sent to Fiji Football Asso­ciation (FFA) president Rajesh Patel also remain unanswered.

However, in an earlier statement, Patel said they have not looked into the allegations made by the women because no complaints have been lodged.

But one parent said she could not un­derstand why Fiji FA was waiting for complaints when the allegations were so serious.

Akisi Lewavo, the mother of nation­al goalkeeper Ateca Tuwai, felt Fiji FA was not grasping the seriousness of the issue and lacked empathy for the players.

“We are ready to take this up either with Police or the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre if Fiji FA does not act soon,” she said.

The coach is alleged to have called Tu­wai ‘pathetic’ and ‘not good enough’ at half-time during Fiji’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup semi-final against Papua New Guinea.

“I am also very disappointed with Rodu. How could he just stand there and (allegedly) do nothing when the coach was (allegedly) ill-treating our players?” Lewavo said.

“My husband was ready to go and confront them both (Gamel and Rodu) in Ba but I stopped him.”

Rodu also did not respond to ques­tions by the time this edition went to press.

Lewavo’s frustration at Fiji FA’s ap­parent lack of action is echoed by Se­iena Marama, the mother of national women’s forward Koleta Likuculacu­la.

“My daughter told me that in New Caledonia, Gamel gave them very big swear words and it made feel bad for her,” she said.

“I think if he continues like this then we have to change the coach because the girls are afraid to go back to camp.”

Tavaita Rasaku, the mother of na­tional women’s defender Mereoni Tora, said it was the first time she had seen her daughter being afraid to at­tend training.

“She has been playing since primary school but this coach’s (alleged) be­haviour is killing her passion,” Ra­saku said.

Another parent, Meredoni Marama­nidranu, whose daughter Veniana Ranadi plays defender for the national women’s team, said she was disap­pointed nothing was being done about the coach.

She said it was unbecoming of a na­tional coach to behave in the manner Gamel had allegedly done.

Gamel and Rodu did not respond to any allegations by the time this edi­tion went to press.

-Edited by Osea Bola

Expect a fast and powerful game from the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team in this week­end’s Sydney 7s at the Spotless Sta­dium, Australia.

This was revealed by head coach Gareth Baber when he indicated that they are playing on a cricket pitch.

“We’ve been on the field this week and I’ve played in stadiums like this but what I do know about our play­ers is that they’re able to adapt very quickly,” he said.

“It’s not going to be a major issue playing in the field but in terms of the players they will keep in mind the different perception where touch lines are and the focus will be on the field.

“We had a good rotation of subs and to get some power and pace onto the field so I’m always looking at that bal­ance.

“It’s an AFL oval or cricket pitch which is flat so we’re mindful of it.”

Baber said they’re also aware of the extreme heatwave experienced over the week in Sydney in which they had shorter training sessions.

“We’ve done our training mostly in the morning as we made sure the players don’t get fatigue or sustain any serious injuries prior to the game day.

“However, we expecting it to be abit cooler in the weekend but the boys are okay and they know it’s not a major distraction to their perfor­mance.”

Baber also onfirmed that Waisea Nacuqu and Aminiasi Tuimaba have recovered from their sickness to make the final 12 squad.

WHAT’S ON TODAY

The Fijians play Japan at 3.28pm and face England at 6.02pm. The fi­nal pool game is against Samoa at 10.07pm.

–Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team missed out on a Cup quarterfinal spot after they were beaten by Ireland 24-19 at the Spotless Stadium in Syd­ney, Australia last night.

The Fijiana side opened their campaign with a 36-12 loss to Can­ada but bounced back to edge out Russia 21-12.

The Saiasi Fuli-coached side lacked fitness, poor defence and indiscipline play led to their downfall. Replacement winger Raijeli Daveua copped a red card for a dangerous high tackle against Ireland.

In an earlier interview Fuli indi­cated that they were aiming for a top eight finish.

RESULTS

Russia 7-7 Ireland, Canada 36-12, England 14-27 France, NZ 38-5 PNG, USA 26-10 China, Australia 19-0 Spain, Russia 12-21 Fiji, Can­ada 14-15 Ireland, England 36-5 PNG, NZ 31-7 France, USA 14-21 Spain, Australia 24-7 China, Ire­land 24-19 Fiji, Canada 7-12 Rus­sia, France 53-0 PNG, NZ 29-0 Eng­land, Australia 7-19 USA

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s cap­tain Kalione Nasoko says they have to make use of every opportunity that comes their way if they are to win the Sydney 7s this weekend.

Speaking to SUNsports yester­day Nasoko said he had talked to the players about the importance of winning the re-starts and not to give the opposition any chance at all.

“We know every game will be tough this weekend, just like last weekend,” he said.

“We‘ll continue to focus on our own jobs, do what we’ve been working on and just concentrate on one game at a time.

“Training has been good and ever since then I had been work­ing on my recovery.”

Nasoko said the players are all tuned up for today’s pool games and they know they’ve to deliver the goods.

“I know there is a lot of pressure in trying to win our first ever Sydney 7s title this weekend and as the coach (Gareth Baber) said we’ll take each game as the final and perform our individual role on the field to the best of our abil­ity.”

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.rarayan@fijisun.com.fj

She has been involved in sports throughout her life,

A former national tennis rep, she is now Fiji Association of Sports National Olympic Commit­tee’s (FASANOC), chairperson of the Women in Sports Commission.

Growing up in Ba, Hamidan Bibi has played an integral part in advo­cating the development of women participation in sports in the coun­try.

Bibi is positive that through her programme initiative more women would be trained and taking up leadership roles in the administra­tive aspect of sports.

Bibi shares her journey and chal­lenges.

1. Overview on what you do

I’m the chairperson of the Women in Sport Commission (FASANOC) since August 2017, and prior to that as a committee member. I work with another 8 committee mem­bers, including two male members and partners, stakeholders and na­tional federations (NFs) to achieve the following:

The FASANOC Women in Sports Commission (herein WISC) aims to work in line with FASANOC Strategic Plan (2017-2020). In doing so it has established a Terms of Reference within which it aims to achieve the following:

• To promote and provide oppor­tunities for women and girls of all ages to be involved and or engaged in various aspects of sports, includ­ing learning new sports and becom­ing active and productive citizens.
• To empower women and girls to take up decision-making roles at various levels within NFs, sporting clubs and or sporting organisations (national, regional and interna­tional levels).
• To create gender sensitivity, including parity, among the pub­lic of the important role women and girls play in the engagement and development of all sport and be recognized for their efforts. To act as a liaison for local, regional and international matters pertain­ing to women and sport based on the Brighton Declaration; as well as work with Oceania Women in Sports in promoting various as­pects of women’s involvement in sports.
• To be a resource body for women and sport and to facilitate research on relevant matters, informing na­tional policies and programmes.

2. What motivates you to do what you do, goals you most want to ac­complish in your work?

Seeing increasing number of women and girls participate in sports, and in particular how our male counterparts are now sup­porting the initiatives is a motivat­ing factor to be part of this pro­gramme. I would like to see more women and girls participate in any sport in any position without any barriers or discrimination. I would also like to see as many youth (male and female) become involved in sport so that we can help towards making Fiji a more productive country with youth being active in all aspects of their life. I would also like to see more people volun­teer in community service work, in particular women and girls, as well as youth joining sports committees and other areas and taking on lead­ership roles.

3. What were you doing previously?

I’m former national tennis rep, ad­ministrator, involved in the devel­opment of sport and sports educa­tion, in particular women in sports leadership

4. Where did you grow up, countries visited

I’m originally from Ba… back­ground farming, sports and com­munity service. Playing overseas and representing Fiji was always a privilege and hard work at the same time. Requires a lot of dedi­cation, commitment and most of all love and passion for the country you represent.

5. Key mentors or people who deep­ly influenced who you are today

Mentors – My mum and dad as well as those who believed in me and supported my initiatives with­out paying too attention to failures.

6. Life-changing experiences and challenges.

I was just looking for a sport to be involved in and found tennis to be very attractive and got stuck. Have seen women and girls not been giv­en the opportunities they deserve to be leaders, technical officials, etc. in sports, thus continue to ad­vocate that women and girls are a great force and have a lot to contrib­ute towards sports development. However, they need support from everyone – family, partners, peers, National federations and others. Some women and girls have pro­gressed to great heights, but there are many who have a lot of barriers to equal and effective participation, not just in sports but other tradi­tionally held male jobs. The condi­tions need to be improved, in par­ticular greater gender sensitisation among everyone and more opportu­nities needed to be provided and we are hopeful of achieving that.

7. Role of women in sports in Fiji

Very important for women and girls to be involved in sports – it will help reduce non-communica­ble diseases (NCDs), become active citizens, learn leadership skills which can be used for many things, become more community- focused rather than indulge in many other attractions such as Facebook etc.; build confidence and become more social oriented; and greater self-esteem and self-development. NF’s could encourage more women and girls to take up leadership posi­tions in their committees. While some women feel they may not have the support or skill sets required, it would be a great start and many things could be achieved.

8. What gives you a sense of hope in the work you do?

We are a sporting nation; there is no shortage of role models – all we need to do is to be dedicated, com­mitted and find those individuals who will support no matter what. Don’t let the negatives or criti­cisms pull you down – take it as a learning opportunity. Enjoy the moments and the rewards.

9. What are you looking forward?

Another good year for Women in Sports Commission with great sup­port provided by FASANOC and the International Olympic Committee. We would like to increase our cov­erage and reach out to those who have been left behind at the same time continue to work with those who have experiences and knowl­edge in taking our aims and objec­tives forward.

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

Queen Victoria School aims for a strong finish as they make their comeback in the 2019 Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League competition.

The Victorians Under-19 side proved too strong in round two yesterday by beating Sa­cred Heart College 28-20 in the Vodafone Bati Tanoa competition in Suva yesterday.

Coach Joeli Savou believes the school team will provide a stiff competition in 2019.

“We’re making a comeback this year and we hope to produce positive results,” Savou said.

“It will be a challenge for us knowing most of the players are in still in rugby union mode but they are working hard to deliver.

“Sacred Heart College gave us a good game, we were not expecting that level of game but I’m glad the boys came out with a win.”

Defending champions Ratu Kadavulevu School also beat Latter-day Saints College 34-8.

Results: Buckhurst Park One; U15 SHC (LBD) v MCI(WBD), QVS 24-4 DHS, U17; RSMS 40-6 SMC, Sila WBD RKS, U19; QVS 28 -20 SHC, U19; RKS 34-8 LDS; Buckhurst Park Two: U15; LDS 8-10 NAS, MBHS 52-0 Lami, U17; AOG 4-8 RLC. – Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj

The Jiuta Lutumailagi-cap­tained Tovolea side is on track in the 2019 Nadroga 10s competition played at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka yesterday.

Led by Nadroga coach Esala Nau­ga, the side includes Fiji Airways Fijian Drua players Ratunaisa Na­vuma and Jone Navori.

The team defeated Ruwalilevu One 5-0, Caginitoba 10-0 after two rounds.

Army Green comprised Fijian Drua flanker Peni Raidre, Inia Ta­walo and flanker Juita Takubu for Army Red.

In other matches, Army Green defeated Seniivi 10-0, Sanasana 5-0 while Army Red defeated Senibiau 7-0, Malomalo 12-0 to remain unde­feated after two rounds.

Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu said their competi­tion attracted 36 teams including Army Green and Army Red who are not affiliated with NRU.

“We begin the season with 10s and will run for three weeks with the elimination next week.”

– Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

20-year old athletes will not take part in the 2019 Coca-Cola Games at the ANZ Stadium on April 16-18.

This was clarified during the zone directors meeting at the Fijian Teachers Association Hall in Suva yesterday.

Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics general secretary Vuli Waqa said they need to make sure the annual event was equally contested and promoting fairness in the process.

“We will not allow 20-year olds so we can be in line with the International Associa­tion of Athletics Federation (IAAF) format where the Under-18 have their own compe­tition while the U20 compete in the Open grade,”Waqa said.

“It’s only in Fiji where we are including un­der-20 in the senior grade.

“At the same time most of the schools took advantage of age groups. What happens is when a student completes his or her Year 13, some schools are holding them back just to compete in athletics.

“This has been the practice in the past where these students are called back by the school to enrol for them just to compete in the Coca-Cola Games.

“They don’t attend classes but they just trained for athletics and after the athletics season they go back home.”

Waqa said this has been happening in the past six years.

“This is unfair to other schools that sent in their 18 and 19 year- old athletes for the sen­ior division.”

BUYING ATHLETES

“Another issue is when some of these top schools buy athletes starting from sub junior to senior grade and most of these athletes do not finish the year but leave after Coke Games. This is unfair to other schools.

“We want athletes to compete in an equal playing field.”

Bua Zone director Isoa Vatucicila applaud­ed FSSA for the change.

“It’s good for us because in previous years top schools have 20-year-old athletes and it’s unfair to us. Now that the changes have been made it will be fair to all of us,” Vatucicila said.

Ovalau Zone director Naibuka Bunawa agreed with the change.

“We support the change as it is all about fairness.”

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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