Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson has announced that co-captain Temo Mayanavanua will be sidelined for up to six weeks due to a knee injury. This recent setback has dealt a significant blow to the Drua’s leadership group as they navigate the early stages of their campaign.
Initially feared to be severe, Jackson clarified that the injury is not as grave as first thought, offering a silver lining to the situation. Nevertheless, Mayanavanua’s absence will be keenly felt, both on the pitch and within the team, where he has been pivotal in fostering high standards and morale.
Describing Mayanavanua as a significant loss, Jackson emphasized his essential role in leading the team and his commitment to returning to play. “It’s probably around six weeks with a knee injury. It’s not quite as bad as we first thought, which is positive, but he leads our team very well and he’s super committed to getting back on the field,” Jackson explained.
Mayanavanua has established himself as a cornerstone of the Drua’s forward pack, showcasing physicality during set-pieces and providing leadership during tightly contested matches. His guidance has been instrumental in steering the squad through challenging moments.
Despite this significant setback, there remains a sense of confidence within the squad that Mayanavanua will approach his rehabilitation with determination and resilience. Meanwhile, the Drua will lean on their depth as they aim to maintain their momentum in the upcoming rounds. Adding to their injury woes, Ponipate Loganimasi is also ruled out due to a hip injury.
The Drua are set to face the Hurricanes in round three of the competition, with the match scheduled for Saturday at 3:35 PM at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Fans can catch the live action on FBC Sports. With the team rallying together, there is hope that they can rise to the occasion and perform well despite the challenges ahead.
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