The Lami High School under-19 rugby team achieved a significant milestone by winning the Vodafone Super Deans under-19 championship, defeating Queen Victoria School 20-19 in a thrilling final. This victory is seen as a transformative moment for the community, as the team aims to inspire pride in local students.
Head coach Beniamino Kaikaivalu expressed his hope that this win will encourage more children in Lami to attend their school instead of traveling to Suva for education. He noted the tremendous support from the southern zone, with a large crowd dressed in yellow shirts showing up to cheer for the team.
The journey to the final was not without challenges, as the team faced scrutiny following their quarter-final win against Ratu Kadavulevu School, which led to negative perceptions. However, the players banded together, using the criticism as motivation to push for victory, reinforcing their belief through faith.
Kaikaivalu shared that he removed the players’ phones to limit their exposure to social media and negative comments, allowing them to focus solely on the game. He emphasized the importance of self-belief and confidence in overcoming any opponents in Fiji.
In addition to their championship win, three players have been invited to join the Fijian Drua academy, with three others selected for Fiji Rugby’s high-performance program, highlighting the growing recognition of Lami High’s talent in rugby.