The Gau Kacau rugby team, supported by IMAT, exemplifies the essence of perseverance, dedication, and togetherness as they navigate their journey in the world of 7s rugby. Over the past three years, the team has made significant strides, demonstrating noticeable improvement during their tournaments.
Recently, they reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious RC Manubhai Nataleira 7s tournament held at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. Often labeled as underdogs, the team consistently finds itself among the top eight contenders in various competitions, showcasing their growth and potential.
Despite their commendable progress, the team remains eager to achieve greater victories. “We had a good run in this tournament reaching the cup quarter-final. We’ve been playing together for the past three years, and the farthest we’ve gone in a competition is the cup quarter-finals,” noted team captain Pei Navauvau. He emphasized their commitment to continuous improvement with every tournament, expressing confidence that they will soon ascend to the top.
Looking ahead, the Gau Kacau team is focused on the Marist 7s tournament scheduled for March 2025. This year, they participated in both the Fiji Bitter Yalovata 7s in Levuka and the Nawaka 7s in Nadi, successfully reaching the cup quarter-finals in both events, which serves as a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
One of the challenges they face is ensuring all players can train together consistently, as many of the team members juggle work and school commitments. “Training together every afternoon is a major challenge. Those who are not working train at midday, so our focus is to commit to training,” Navauvau explained. This dedication exhibits their determination to improve as a cohesive unit.
Additionally, financial constraints have posed a challenge for the team, compelling them to engage in fundraising efforts to support their needs.
Despite the hurdles they encounter, the strength of the Gau Kacau team lies in their unwavering spirit and desire to succeed. Their journey serves as an inspiring example of how faith, sacrifice, and hard work can lead to progress in pursuit of excellence.
In summary, the Gau Kacau team is not only competing in rugby but is also developing resilience and unity among its players, which are vital qualities that can help them achieve long-term success, not just in sports, but in life as well. It’s a hopeful reminder that dedication and determination can lead to greater accomplishments, and their story continues to inspire those around them.
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