The Lami High School Under-19 rugby team remained unfazed by various criticisms and allegations during the Vodafone Deans Trophy finals. Head coach Beniamino Kakaivalu shared this insight with SUNsports after their narrow victory against Queen Victoria School, winning 20-19 at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Kakaivalu highlighted that the players engaged in a social media blackout, which allowed them to concentrate on their performance while avoiding negativity. “It helps them focus on the task at hand and also takes away the negative energy,” he explained.
The coach expressed that this victory is just a stepping stone towards larger goals, noting plans to create an Under-18 team next year to chase further titles.
Reflecting on the journey, Kakaivalu, a former Suva rugby winger, described the challenges faced, including travel to Vanua Levu for national qualifiers. Lami High School managed to defeat Dreketi Central College 24-21, advancing to the national quarterfinals where they upset Ratu Kadavulevu School 11-5 and Ratu Navula College 13-10 in the semifinals.
“When we faced Ratu Kadavulevu School, I told the boys, it’s just the name of the school that is big. Our boys fought with all their heart and that was again evident today,” he stated.