Sanaila Duono, a 26-year-old player from Nalidi, has expressed his aspirations to wear the national sevens jumper, emphasizing that there are no age restrictions for donning national colors. Duono participated in the R.C Manubhai Nataleira 7s tournament at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori, representing the PWD Bure team, which competes in the Tier Two division.
He highlighted that local competitions like the Nataleira 7s serve as fantastic platforms for teams from rural communities, welcoming players from across the 14 provinces. Duono took the initiative to recruit players from various areas, including Naitaisiri and Dawasamu in Tailevu, bringing together a team with a strong village representation.
Despite the challenges of training during the festive season, where many players were preoccupied with family commitments, Duono expressed optimism regarding his team’s potential to nurture future national representatives. He conveyed gratitude towards the supporters and stakeholders who help provide for the team’s essentials like food, transport, and registration.
Duono underscored the team’s primary objective of showcasing their talent, with aspirations to enhance his fitness and readiness for subsequent tournaments. He acknowledged past injuries but remains focused on moving forward and improving. Following their first match, where PWD faced a 7-19 loss to Gau Kacau, Duono indicated that enhancing communication and discipline would be key to their future performance.
Inspired by former national sevens representative Iliesa Nadai, Duono is determined to keep pushing forward in his rugby journey.
In summary, Sanaila Duono is a passionate athlete dedicated to representing his country, not only aiming for personal achievement but also fostering talent within his community. His positive outlook and commitment reflect the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience.
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