Kalabu Secondary School is seeing double pride as deputy head girl Talica Traill and deputy head boy Lemeki Biukoto balance full student leadership with a rising role in Fiji’s AFL under-17 squad. The Year 12 students, who were introduced to Australian Rules Football only earlier this year, have earned places in the national team preparing for the Pacific Cup in Australia next month.
Traill said her selection fills her with pride, thanking coaches and parents for their ongoing support. “We are proud to be part of the team and thankful to our coaches and parents for supporting us throughout this journey,” she said. Biukoto shared his excitement and gratitude for the chance to represent Fiji, adding, “I want to thank my coaches for choosing me and my parents for their continuous support since I started playing.”
The pair are part of a squad that is training hard as they gear up for the upcoming tournament. Both Traill and Biukoto are focused on giving their best on the field. Traill set a clear goal: to help the team win and perform at a level that could catch the eye of an Australian AFL club and perhaps lead to a scholarship. Biukoto echoed the ambition, stating the team aims to bring the title home and hopes to be picked up by an Australian club.
Balancing schoolwork with rigorous training is challenging at times, they acknowledged. Traill noted the difficulty of managing time but said she remains motivated to excel in both, while Biukoto credited the support from teachers and family with keeping him going.
As young leaders and national players, Traill and Biukoto serve as role models for their peers, demonstrating dedication on and off the field. Their hopes extend beyond the Pacific Cup, aiming to create future opportunities in AFL for themselves and other aspiring Fiji players.
Context and outlook:
– The Pacific Cup continues to be a critical stepping stone for Fiji’s AFL development, reinforcing a pathway from school clubs and development programs into the national team.
– The broader AFL Fiji program emphasizes youth development and community support, helping athletes balance academics with sport and encouraging leadership among young players.
– For Kalabu’s leaders, this experience could spark continued growth in school leadership roles while advancing their AFL ambitions and broader opportunities in the sport.
Summary:
Two Kalabu Secondary School student leaders are stronger together, balancing leadership duties with a peak moment in Fiji’s under-17 AFL program as they train for the Pacific Cup in Australia. Their determination highlights the growing AFL pipeline in Fiji and the potential for scholarships and international opportunities for young players who combine discipline, skill, and teamwork. A hopeful sign for the sport’s future in the country, their journey reflects resilience, community backing, and the ambition to represent Fiji on the international stage.
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