Parents and supporters of Dawasamu Secondary School woke up at 3 AM to drive to Suva for the under-17 team’s quarter-final match against Marist at Burkhurst Park yesterday. Kemuneli Vere from Delakado Dawasamu reported that they departed the village at 5 AM.
“There are 17 of us here to support our boys, as this is the first time our grade has qualified to this level,” Vere stated. He highlighted that the only other team from their school to reach this stage was the U18 girls, who are the reigning champions of the Raluve Cup.
Despite strong support during the quarter-finals, Vere noted that attendance had been sparse earlier in the competition. “I follow the U17 everywhere because my son is part of the team. After returning from Vanualevu following the playoffs, I informed other parents that there was not enough support.”
He also mentioned the challenges they faced in providing meals for the players but emphasized that the collective effort of the parents helped them overcome those obstacles. Vere underlined the importance of parental support in their children’s endeavors.
“I support my son in every game. Each year, I make an effort to buy him new boots. I always advise him to work hard and always strive to wear the white jersey.”