Andrew Sukhu, the head boy of Marist Brothers High School, is set to represent Fiji for the first time at the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup in Australia. Hailing from Vanua Levu, Sukhu drew inspiration from his younger brother’s success as part of the South Pacific team, which triumphed over some of Australia’s top clubs.
The journey to this significant achievement hasn’t been simple for the 17-year-old. Sukhu is skillfully balancing his role as head boy, preparing for Year 13 exams, and committing to AFL training. “It’s tough to manage everything, especially this week with exams,” he shared, shedding light on the challenges he’s faced.
Sukhu enjoys the multifaceted nature of AFL, stating, “I do enjoy playing because it really is a good sport with so many aspects of other sports.” While he acknowledges the nerves of facing seasoned teams in Australia, he is confident that trust in his teammates will alleviate his fears. “There will be fear, but once you trust your team members, that fear will fade away,” he explained, highlighting the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
His family has been a source of unwavering support, helping him through the difficulties of daily travel and financial constraints. As he and his teammates prepare for the Pacific Cup, Sukhu urged fellow Fijians to send their prayers and blessings, expressing the team’s need for community support: “To all Fijian supporters out there, please do pray for the team. We need your prayers and blessings.”
The Pacific Cup is scheduled to take place in Brisbane, Australia, on November 14. With Sukhu’s determination and the support of his family and community, there is palpable hope for a bright future, not only for him but also for the Fijian AFL team as they take on this exciting challenge.
This event highlights the growing interest and involvement of Fijian athletes in international sports, paving the way for more representation and recognition on global platforms.
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