Defending champions Vusu Raiders faced a tough opening match in the Vodafone Cup, losing 15-10 to the Nadera Panthers at Buckhurst Park in Suva on Saturday. Despite the setback, team manager Sosiceni Nawaqaliva Tora expressed pride in the team’s resilience and fighting spirit. Tora noted that the players demonstrated a “never say die attitude” throughout the match, highlighting a particularly strong performance in the second half.
“While this loss is disappointing, it’s a valuable wake-up call for us. It will push us to re-strategize and improve as we prepare for the rest of the season,” Tora explained. The Vusu Raiders, originally known as the Namatakula Raiders until their rebranding in 2017, fielded a squad with significant changes from last year’s championship team, with only seven players returning and six debutants featuring in this match.
Tora emphasized that despite the transition, the team is focused on achieving three primary goals for the 2025 season: building the foundation of the team on spirituality, defending their Vodafone Cup title, and winning the prestigious Melanesian Cup against Papua New Guinea’s champions. He credited one of the debutants as the best player on the field during Saturday’s match, showcasing the potential within the new lineup.
Acknowledging Nadera Panthers’ strong performance, he said, “Hats off to Nadera. They brought their A-game. This loss keeps us grounded and reminds us to stay hungry.” Looking ahead, Vusu Raiders are determined to regroup and set their sights on their next match in the Vodafone Cup, where they aim to bounce back and demonstrate their capability.
The spirit of resilience exhibited by the Vusu Raiders serves as an inspiration, reinforcing the idea that setbacks can transform into stepping stones toward future success. Their dedication to improvement and unity amidst change reflects a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the Vodafone Cup season.
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