The Suva under-11 team began the 2024 McDonald’s Talent Development Inter-District Championship with an impressive 3-0 win over Dreketi. The match took place on the first day of the tournament at the Nasinu Muslim Primary School grounds.
Head coach Ritesh Ram credited the team’s success to two months of rigorous preparation. He expressed his satisfaction with the performance but noted areas that needed improvement, particularly in the midfield’s attacking strategy.
“We have been preparing for this IDC for two months, and our first game against Dreketi showcased the hard work we’ve put in,” Ram commented. “It was a fair match, not overly tough, but we must continue to work harder as this is just the beginning, and we face other strong teams ahead.”
Ram pointed out that the team’s midfield play fell short during the match against Dreketi, indicating that this is a critical area for development moving forward. He stressed the need for consistent effort as the competition progresses.
He also highlighted the value of the competition for the players, noting the experience gained from facing teams from different districts. Ram dedicated the victory to the players and their parents, acknowledging their essential support throughout the preparation.
Competition in the various age-group divisions at the Nasinu Primary School Grounds will continue today, with the finals scheduled for tomorrow.