Dreketi Central College U-16 Girls Rugby Eyes Historic Semi-Final After Strong Run
Dreketi Central College’s under-16 girls rugby team has defied the odds to reach the semi-finals of the Weet-Bix Raluve, doing so with limited experience and support. Head coach Isoa Bogitini attributes their progress to a holistic focus on mental, physical, and spiritual preparation. “Preparations were great, we were working on three areas, and those areas were to prepare the team mentally, physically and spiritually, and I think that has helped us to reach this stage in the semi-finals, and we are looking forward for game day,” Bogitini said. He added that they show respect for their opponents, who are the current champions of the U16 grade.
The team has faced challenges in building community support for girls’ rugby, but Bogitini noted the Dreketi community in Suva has begun rallying behind the side, with strong backing from the Fiji Police Force, which helped lead a team camp at their barracks. “The community in Dreketi was not totally engaged on the way we were trying to build up rugby for the girls, because usually rugby was just for the boys in our area. It was a new idea when girls rugby came in, so most of the time there was little support, nobody thought we would reach this level, but now when we reached this stage, we are slowly getting the support, especially from the Dreketi community that is here in Suva, and we are also thankful for the kind assistance by the Fiji Police Force for leading the team camp at their barracks,” he explained.
Bogitini emphasised faith and community backing as the team prepares for a crucial clash against the defending champions. “I’m thankful to the Almighty that gives us the knowledge and the skills for the team to reach this far, and we are hoping for a great semi-final,” he said. The squad is aiming to make history as the first from Dreketi to compete at this level and have called on fans and the broader Dreketi community to show their support as they chase more glory.
The semi-final sees Dreketi Central matching up with Sigatoka Methodist in a 10.10am arrival at HFC Bank Stadium today, a game that could cement a landmark chapter in the school’s rugby story. This season’s run has already been marked by tenacity, with Dreketi earning their spot in the semi-finals after a dramatic 14-12 quarterfinal victory over St Vincent College, a game that showcased the team’s resilience and belief under pressure.
What to watch
– The U16 girls’ team continues to push the boundaries of school rugby in Fiji, with community support and school leadership playing pivotal roles.
– The Suva venue cluster aims to improve fan access and event logistics, helping families follow multiple matches.
– Dreketi’s journey mirrors a broader trend of growth in Fiji’s youth rugby, with more communities backing girls’ programs and expanding pathways from schoolyards to national stages.
Additional notes
– A successful semi-final appearance would further highlight the positive impact of rugby as a development pathway for young women in Fiji, reinforcing values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience across communities.
Summary in Fijian
Na timi u16 ni Dreketi Central College e sa gole ki na semi-final ni Weet-Bix Raluve ka vakaraitaka na kena vakatovolei na ivakadinadina me baleta na nodra tubu tale ga. O Bogitini, na late ni timi, a tukuna ni nodra vakamarautaki na veilawa e tolu: vakabauta vakaloma, vakavinakataki na kena kauwai kei na vakabauta vakalotu. E tukuna talega ni sa vakavinakataki na veitokoni mai na veiqaravi ni veisorosoro mai Dreketi ena Suva kei na Fiji Police Force me baleta na camp ni timi. E sa curu talega ki na semi-final na timi me vakacegu me qai vunau vei Sigatoka Methodist ena 10:10am ena HFC Bank Stadium. Qo na nomu iwalewale ni veivuke: na wiliwili ni qito ena gauna vata kei na vakarau ni timi me baleta na noda ikuri ni Kalou ka vakavinakataki kina na veika e rawa.
Subheading:
Vosa Vakaviti: Dreketi Central College e yabaki 16 era vakasamataki me nodra semi-final na Raluve
Commentary and added value
– The piece highlights a notable development in Fiji’s school rugby: a regional team breaking through to a national semi-final, with community and institutional support playing a crucial role.
– The narrative can be expanded with a brief post-match recap if Dreketi advances, including standout players and key moments (e.g., any try-scorers or game-changing plays).
– Consider adding a photo caption option: “Timi Dreketi Central College celebrating a key moment” to boost engagement.
– If available, a sidebar with live match details, venue map, and a short profile on head coach Isoa Bogitini would enhance the WordPress post.
Leave a comment