Parents and supporters of Dawasamu Secondary School rallied early yesterday morning, leaving their village at 5 am for a lengthy trip to Suva. They were there to cheer on the school’s under-17 team as they competed in a quarter-final match against Marist at Burkhurst Park.
Kemuneli Vere, a representative from Delakado Dawasamu, noted that a total of 17 supporters made the journey to back the team, marking a significant moment as it was the first time the under-17 squad had qualified for this stage of the competition. He highlighted that the only previous success for the school in major tournaments came from the reigning champions of the Raluve Cup, the U18 girls’ team.
Vere expressed that while support for the quarter-finals was strong, it had been lacking earlier in the season. He mentioned, “I follow the U17 everywhere because my son is part of the team,” underscoring the importance of parental encouragement. He recounted a conversation after returning from the playoffs in Vanualevu, where he encouraged other parents about the need for increased support for the team.
The parents faced challenges in providing meals for the players, but through collective efforts, they managed to overcome these obstacles. Vere emphasized the vital role of parental support in their children’s pursuits, stating, “I support my son in every game. Every year, I make it my effort to buy him new boots.” He also gives his son advice on hard work and dedication, encouraging him to aim for excellence in his sport.