Ratu Navula College is determined to claim the Vodafone Deans Trophy this year. This commitment was expressed by the Under-18 team manager, Mitieli Qumi, following their quarterfinal victory over Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School with a score of 16-10.
In an interview, Qumi emphasized the team’s objective to restore the Western teams’ reputation in the national finals. He acknowledged that Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School was viewed as the favorite to win this season, stating, “We looked up to them when we came to Suva since they were a very good team.”
The RNC players showed tenacity in their defense during the final moments of the match, successfully preventing MGM from scoring. Qumi noted that while the team has made it to the semifinals, there is still potential for improvement. “There were mistakes but we will regroup and come back a better team,” he added.
Next, RNC will face the reigning Deans Trophy champions, Queen Victoria School, in the semifinals. Qumi concluded, “We are here for business and we are here to play. Our biggest strength is the spiritual support from our families and the school.”