The Suva under-11 team began the 2024 McDonald’s Talent Development Inter-District Championship with an impressive 3-0 win over Dreketi on the opening day of the tournament, held at the Nasinu Muslim Primary School grounds yesterday.
The victory was a product of two months of rigorous training guided by head coach Ritesh Ram. He expressed his contentment with the team’s performance, crediting the success to their dedicated preparation.
However, Ram acknowledged areas for improvement, notably in the midfield attacking department. “Our preparation for this IDC has spanned two months, and our first match against Dreketi demonstrated the effort we’ve invested,” Ram stated. “It was a fair match, not overly challenging, but we must continue to work harder as we’re just beginning and face tougher teams ahead.”
He pointed out that the midfield attack needed enhancement based on their performance against Dreketi, indicating it as a critical focus moving forward. Ram stressed the importance of ongoing effort, as there are more formidable challenges to come in the competition.
Moreover, he praised the chance for the players to compete against teams from other districts, viewing it as a significant learning opportunity for the young athletes. He dedicated the victory to the players and their families, recognizing their support in getting ready for the championship.
The matches in various age-group divisions will proceed at the Nasinu Primary School Grounds today, with the finals scheduled for tomorrow.