SPONSOR LIFTS TAVUA’S MORALE
The young Tavua football team travelled to Suva confident of doing well in the 2018 Courts Inter District Championship which starts today at the ANZ Stadium, Suva. Speaking to SUNsports on Wednesday night Tavua Football Association president Pranesh Prakash said the morale in camp was high after they managed to get a sponsor.
“We faced a lot of financial problems in the past and that affected our team’s performance,” he said. Prakash said through the sponsorship of Auto Care, the side have been provided with new pair of boots.
“Our players are really happy about this as many did not have proper sporting gear.”
He said some of the players were working but the initiative and pride to represent the district has seen them take-up this extra commitment.
“Football is still growing on Tavua and I’m thankful to each player for taking out time to play for the side. Our side to feature in the IDC will be made up of local boys. “There are no imported players in our side and we have been continually developing the local boys. “Our boys are not paid well but we are hoping to develop the sport here,” he said.
Tavua have lost star striker Vilitati Kautoga who has joined Labasa.
“Training had been going well for the IDC. We will play against Rewa in the opening match tomorrow. We want to surprise everyone in the IDC,” said Prakash. However, he said that the rainy weather in Suva could be a hindrance to the side as they have been training on a hard surface at Garvey Park.
“There will be some differences but we will try our best,” he added. Tavua striker Vilive Naulalevu said securing a win in their first match was crucial.
“First game is like a final to us as it will set the pace in the tournament. We want to do something new this year to surprise our fans.” Meanwhile, the Rewa football team are focused on their pool opener against Tavua. In an earlier interview Rewa coach Lorima Dau said they are not taking Tavua lightly as they have been an unpredictable side. “Tavua have retained their spot in the premier division which is an indication of what they are capable of,” he said.
“Tavua is a great team and they are always good during tournaments. We will work on what we need to be done on the field.”