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12 April, 2026, 5:20 am
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12 April, 2026, 5:20 am Central - 22°C Rain

Mataele eager for reunion as Drua face Western Force today

Mataele eager for reunion as Drua face Western Force today

By Temalesi Vono
11/04/2026

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Manasa Mataele says he is looking forward to reconnecting with former teammates when the Fijian Drua take on the Western Force in Round 9 of the competition today.

Mataele says the match will be a special one, having spent the past two seasons playing alongside several members of the Force squad.

Inserted: Mataele - Looking forward to see the Force April 10 


Among those he highlighted is Ben Donaldson, whom he describes as a close teammate during his time with the Force.

Mataele adds that while many of his former teammates have moved on, he still shares strong connections with some of the younger players he mentored during his time at the club.

Reflecting on the Western Force squad, Mataele says the team has undergone significant changes, particularly with new coaching structures and player turnover.

He says the Drua will be aiming to build momentum in the competition as they face a refreshed Western Force side. 

They will need a win this week to move from the bottom of the table.

The Fijian Drua will host the Force at 4.35pm today at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

In other games today, Moana Pasifika host the Chiefs at 2.05pm, the Hurricanes will face the Blues at 7.05pm, while the Reds play the Crusaders at 9.35pm.


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