The unwavering support of parents has played a vital role in Nasinu Secondary School's Under-19 rugby team's success after defeating Assemblies of God Secondary School 13-7 at the Grammar Grounds, with one proud mother calling on old scholars to rally behind the team as they prepare for the finals.
Speaking to fijivillage Sports after Nasinu's victory, proud parent Akosita Vakatawa says she is overwhelmed with joy and proud of what the Under-19 team has achieved so far.
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Vakatawa, who is from Kabara in Lau, is the mother of Under-19 flanker Joeli Qoriniasi.
She says the journey has not been easy, but the players have shown determination throughout their preparations and have continued to improve with every match.
Vakatawa also praised the commitment of the Under-19 parents, saying they have worked together and supported the team every step of the way.
She says she hopes the parents will continue standing together until the end of the competition as the team prepares for the finals. As both a mother and a teacher, Vakatawa says she understands the importance of balancing sport and education.
She says her son is currently focused on rugby, but she will closely monitor his academic performance when Term Three begins. Looking ahead to the finals, Vakatawa encouraged the players to continue working hard and improve their performances as they prepare to face some of the competition's strongest teams.
She also made a heartfelt appeal to Nasinu Secondary School's old scholars to get behind the school and support the Under-19 side as they chase championship honours.
Nasinu Secondary School and Suva Grammar School have secured their places in the Under-18 boys final after winning their respective semi-final matches on Saturday.
Nasinu edged Marist Brothers High School 22-17 in a thrilling contest, while Suva Grammar defeated Ratu Sukuna Memorial School 24-15.
In the girls' Raluve competition, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School delivered a dominant performance to beat Nasinu Secondary School 19-0 and advance to the final.
Lomary Secondary School also progressed after defeating Ratu Latianara College 20-7 in the other semi-final.
The finals will be on Saturday at Grammar grounds.
