Parents and supporters of Dawasamu Secondary School woke up at 3 a.m. for a long drive to Suva to cheer on their under-17 teams during a quarter-final match against Marist at Burkhurst Park. Kemuneli Vere from Delakado Dawasamu shared that they departed the village by 5 a.m.
“We are a group of 17 here to support our boys, as it is the first time the grade has reached this level,” said Vere. He noted that the only team from their school to make it to significant rounds before was their U18 girls’ team, the reigning champions of the Raluve Cup.
Despite the strong attendance for the quarterfinals, Vere mentioned that support earlier in the competition was lacking. “I follow the U17 team everywhere because my son is a part of it. After returning from Vanualevu following the playoffs, I informed other parents that there wasn’t enough support.”
He also highlighted challenges in providing meals for the team but praised the collective effort of parents that helped them overcome these obstacles. Vere emphasized the importance of parental support for their children’s endeavors. “I support my son in every game and each year, I make it a point to buy him new boots. I always advise him to work hard and aim to wear the white jersey.”