Ratu Navula College is serious about claiming victory in the Vodafone Deans Trophy. This determination was expressed by RNC Under-18 team manager Mitieli Qumi following their hard-fought 16-10 victory over Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School in the quarterfinals.
In an interview with SUNsports, Qumi emphasized the team’s objective of reinstating the prominence of Western teams in the national finals. “MGM were favorites to win this year,” he remarked, acknowledging the respect they held for their opponents. “We looked up to them when we came to Suva since they were a very good team.”
The players from RNC showcased a fierce defense in the final moments of the match, successfully thwarting MGM’s attempts to score. Despite their advancement to the semifinals, Qumi acknowledged there is still room for improvement. “There were mistakes, but we will regroup and come back a better team,” he stated.
RNC is set to face the reigning Deans Trophy champions, Queen Victoria School, in the semifinal. Qumi conveyed the team’s focus, saying, “We are here for business and we are here to play. Our biggest strength is the spiritual support from our families and the school.”