Faith Generation Ready For Action
The Faith Generation Brothers rugby team are confident of doing well in their first outing at the Huawei Ucunipotu 7s tournament that starts today at Subrail Park, Labasa.
But not for the players who had played for other clubs during the Macuata CMFI 7s tournament last month.
Coach Ledua Gadekivanualevu told SUNsports yesterday that the Labasa basedside comprised of unemployed youths who most of them are members of the Christian Mission Fellowship church (CMF). He said despite being confident they would remain underdogs.
“We will not underestimate our opponents in the two-day tournament. This year will be our first year at the Ucunipotu 7s. We will approach the tournament with caution as we know it will be a tough competition,” he said.
“We have been training hard as we want to come out as winners and also we have to be spiritually fit on and off the field. “We have to be mentally ready if we are going to be put under pressure during our games.” Gadekivanualevu said the players are out to utilise their God-given talent, spread the Gospel and enjoy the game.
“We try to share the Gospel through rugby and emphasise that everything is possible if you trust in God.
“We want to use this tournament to display our rugby talents and glorify God at the same time. Most of the players are from the provinces of Macuata and Cakaudrove.”
Meanwhile, 24 teams will be vying for the $5000 prize money. Tournament official Nabiri Waqanivalu said they are looking forward to host their first tournament.
“The purpose of this tournament is to help us build our church that was destroyed in 2013 by Cyclone Emi,” he said. “Former Fijian sevens captain Emosi Vucago and William Ryder’s are playing for their teams in the tournament which makes this year’s competition tough,” he said.