Ratu Navula College is determined to claim the Vodafone Deans Trophy title. This commitment was highlighted by the Under-18 team manager, Mitieli Qumi, following their narrow quarterfinal victory over Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, with a score of 16-10.
In an interview, Qumi expressed the team’s ambition to restore the prominence of Western teams in the national finals. “MGM were favorites to win this year,” he noted, acknowledging their strong reputation prior to the match. “We looked up to them when we came to Suva since they were a very good team,” he added.
The RNC’s players displayed a tenacious defensive strategy in the waning moments of the game, successfully keeping MGM from closing the gap. Qumi recognized that while they have advanced to the semifinal, there is still potential for improvement. “There were mistakes, but we will regroup and come back a better team,” he stated.
Next, RNC will face the defending champions, Queen Victoria School, in the semifinal. “We are here for business and we are here to play. Our biggest strength is the spiritual support from our families and the school,” Qumi concluded.