Namosi Women’s Rugby player Adi Vaimoana Raziela says the team is determined to defend its Subrail's Marama Championship title and Pio Bosco Challenge Trophy as they prepare to face Nadi tomorrow’s semi-final, following a dramatic 30–27 extra-time victory over Tailevu.
Raziela who is a former fijivillage News Digital assistant, says the win over Tailevu last week was particularly important for the team, especially after they lost to the same side in their Round 10 match.
She says the two teams were locked at 27-all at full-time before Namosi secured the victory with a penalty kick in extra time.
Raziela says the players have been working hard every day despite their individual struggles, and the team is now focused, playing with courage and rising to the challenge against Nadi.
She says defending their title means a lot to the players, who are determined to come back stronger this season.
Raziela also shares how joining Namosi this year has been one of the best decisions she has made.
She spent the past three years with Suva Women’s Rugby, starting with Striders before progressing to the High Performance Unit Elite Women’s Group.
However, after suffering an injury during camp, Raziela says she was looking for more game time as she worked on her physical and mental recovery.
She says joining Namosi has given her regular opportunities to play since Round One, and she credits the coach, manager and her teammates for supporting her.
With the semi-final approaching, Raziela is calling on the people of Namosi to come out and support the team.
She says grassroots women’s rugby needs more support, especially as the players continue their title defence.
Raziela says every bit of encouragement matters, whether people attend the match or simply show their support along the way.
The Pio Bosco Challenge Trophy will be up for grabs again after the Marama Cup finals, according to Raziela.
The Namosi-Nadi semi-final will be played at King Charles Park, while Nasinu will face Suva at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Both matches will kick off at 1pm tomorrow.
