Sanaila Duono, a 26-year-old athlete from Nalidi, Ra, believes that there is no age restriction when it comes to donning the national colors. His aspirations for joining the national sevens rugby team were expressed during his participation with the PWD Bure team in the Tier Two division of the R.C Manubhai Nataleira 7s tournament held at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
Duono praised local sevens competitions, such as the Nataleira 7s, for providing an essential platform for teams originating from rural areas to showcase their talent. He mentioned that his team represents players from all 14 provinces and encourages anyone interested to join. In assembling his squad, Duono actively sought out players across various regions, including Naitaisiri and Dawasamu in Tailevu, as many of them were spending the festive season with family.
Despite the challenges of training in fragmented locations during the holidays, Duono remains optimistic about his team’s potential. He noted that many of his players possess the ability to represent Fiji in the national sevens team someday. He expressed gratitude to supporters and stakeholders for their contributions towards the team’s essentials, such as food, transportation, and registration fees.
Duono aims to enhance his fitness and preparedness for future competitions, acknowledging previous injury setbacks but emphasizing his commitment to progress. In their initial match, PWD faced a loss against Gau Kacau with a score of 7-19. He identified the need for better communication and discipline on the field to improve their performance in subsequent matches.
Lastly, Duono draws inspiration from Iliesa Nadai, a fellow villager and former national sevens representative, which fuels his ambition to reach similar heights.
This story exemplifies the spirit of resilience and community in sports, with Duono’s leadership bringing together diverse players and inspiring them toward achieving shared goals. It highlights that through dedication and support, athletes from all backgrounds can aspire to represent their nation.
In summary, Sanaila Duono’s journey reflects his passion for rugby and commitment to nurturing talent in rural communities, paving the way for future stars in the sport.
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