Moce Secondary School triumphed over Cicia High School by 48 runs in the 2024 Fiji Secondary School National Men’s U19 Cricket Tournament held in Suva. Their victory crowned them as the secondary school cricket champions, and the team was thrilled to see several of its players selected for the Fiji national team.
According to a Government statement, eight members of the Moce Secondary School cricket squad have been chosen to participate in an upcoming tournament in Japan. In a notable performance during the U19 tournament, Suva Grammar School secured a third-place finish by defeating Ratu Finau Secondary School by five wickets in the playoff for third and fourth places.
Following their impressive performance, the Moce team visited President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at his residence. During the meeting, Ratu Wiliame challenged the young athletes to seek contracts with international cricket franchises. He praised their achievement and encouraged the players to aim for greater goals.
He acknowledged that students from rural and maritime areas come to Suva with aspirations of success. “You have just proven that last week when you outplayed your opponents and made your school and the vanua Delaimakotu proud,” he stated. He emphasized that they had demonstrated what a small island can achieve and hoped it would inspire their peers back home and other young cricket players.
Ratu Wiliame noted the revival of cricket on the mainland and urged students to advocate for the sport in their home areas. He highlighted the global appeal of cricket, calling on players to chase their dreams and excel in their pursuits.
“You have much to contribute to the sport of cricket, and as my Tovata, your community has shown over the years how they embraced the game brought by European settlers to Fiji,” he said. He encouraged them to work hard to become skilled batsmen, fielders, and wicketkeepers.
“I look forward to seeing one of you sign a contract with a cricket club abroad, and I hope to hear the good news back home in Macuata when I retire,” he concluded.
President Katonivere also expressed gratitude to the vanua Delaimakotu, as well as the support provided by parents, teachers, and fellow students of Moce Secondary School to the cricket team.