The under-15 team from Marist Brothers High School had significant motivation in their semi-final match of the Vodafone Super Deans. They aimed for victory, especially in light of the recent loss of their vice-captain, Senitiki Kuruvadua’s father, earlier this week.
Kuruvadua played a pivotal role in the team’s 22-7 victory over Gospel High School in the semi-finals. Despite the emotional weight he was carrying, the young athlete maintained his composure while reflecting on his father’s passing.
“I recently lost my father to kidney failure, and being here was challenging while planning for the funeral at home,” he expressed. “It wasn’t easy because I was very close to my father, but I thank God for giving me the strength to play this week and for the chance to be part of this team.”
His father, Tevita Kuruvadua, was an enthusiastic supporter of his rugby ambitions. “He was my biggest fan, and I truly miss him,” Kuruvadua said.
As the vice-captain, he felt he needed to be strong for his teammates. “I didn’t want to let them down, so I showed up to demonstrate my strength. Everything that happens is part of God’s will,” the 15-year-old noted.
To honor Kuruvadua’s father, the team wore black armbands in his memory. “The message in the changing room was that we are all playing for my dad, for our parents who have supported us, for our coaches, trainers, and managers for the time they’ve spent training us, and for ourselves. My dad would have encouraged me to play for my team and family, to give my best and enjoy the game.”
Kuruvadua and his Marist team are set to face Suva Grammar School in the final next weekend.