The Suva under-11 team launched their campaign in the 2024 McDonald’s Talent Development Inter-District Championship with an impressive 3-0 win over Dreketi on the opening day of the tournament at Nasinu Muslim Primary School grounds.
This victory came after two months of rigorous training under the guidance of head coach Ritesh Ram. Ram was pleased with the team’s performance, crediting their preparation for the solid outcome. However, he recognized the need for further enhancement, especially in the midfield attacking front.
“We have been preparing for this IDC for two months, and our first game against Dreketi demonstrated the results of our hard work,” said Ram. “It was a fair match, not overly challenging, but we need to keep pushing as this is only our opening match, and we will face tougher opponents in the tournament.”
Ram pointed out that their midfield attack was not up to par in the match against Dreketi, which is an area that demands attention. He stressed the importance of steady effort, considering the harder challenges that lie ahead in the competition.
Additionally, he praised the opportunity for players to square off against teams from different districts, viewing it as a crucial learning experience for the young athletes. Ram dedicated the victory to the players and their parents, acknowledging their support in readying the team for the championship.
The matches continue in various age-group divisions at the Nasinu Primary School Grounds today, with the finals scheduled for tomorrow.