Ratu Navula College is determined to secure the Vodafone Deans Trophy this year. This commitment was highlighted by the manager of the RNC Under-18 team, Mitieli Qumi, following their quarterfinal victory of 16-10 against Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School.
In an interview, Qumi expressed the team’s ambition to restore the prominence of Western teams in the national finals. “MGM were favourites to win this year,” he noted, acknowledging the formidable nature of their opponent. “We looked up to them when we came to Suva since they were a very good team,” he added.
The RNC players showcased a fierce defensive strategy in the closing moments of the match, successfully preventing MGM from scoring. Qumi recognized that while they have advanced to the semifinals, there is still potential for growth. “There were mistakes but we will regroup and come back a better team,” he stated.
As they prepare to face the reigning Deans Trophy champions, Queen Victoria School, in the semifinals, Qumi emphasized the team’s serious approach: “We are here for business and we are here to play. Our biggest strength is the spiritual support from our families and the school.”