Snooker players ready for North West rumble
DESPITE an injury where he thought his rugby career had ended Dominion Brothers under-20 winger Apakuki Vukivukiseru never thought he would one day help his team to lift the Marist 7s title.
The former Ratu Kadavulevu School student from Vunisei Village in Toga, Rewa, said he was counting his many blessings of how far he had come since breaking his leg during the school’s rugby tour to Japan in 2017.
“I thought my career had ended then,” Vukivukiseru said.
“But when you have the faith in God, and the strength to keep pushing yourself, even big dreams can be made real.”
The 20-year-old said it was determination that kept him going despite the injury and after recovery and hard work, made sure his rugby career would not stop there.
“I didn’t want a broken leg to be the reason I couldn’t play rugby, so I let the doctors and medicine do their part. But the hard thing was getting my mindset right so I would train as soon as I was better.”
Vukivukiseru said the training started as soon as the cast came off, beginning with short jogs around the village to lengthy swims in the Rewa River.
“It’s all about the mentality and to learn in believing in yourself.”
THE Mahendra Deo-captained Nadi Sports Club team will host Simla Dragons in the top of the table clash during the Phil’s Autoport-sponsored North West Billiards and Snooker Association (NWBSA) 2020 league competition today.
Nadi Sports Club ended round one of the home and away competition at the top of the points table recording five wins and a loss.
Ironically the side’s only loss was against the Dragons. Nadi Sports Club will be boosted with the services of champion players such as David Reddy and Yogen Prasad.
The Dragons will be led by former veteran champion Philip Gock and will also include former Fiji number one Epeli Bua, former Fiji B Grade champions, Vinesh Prasad and Vikrant Sharma.
NWBSA executive member Reemal Narayan said exciting matches were lined up for tomorrow.
Narayan said Nadi Sport Club will be out to avenge their first round defeat to the Dragons.
Believe he did, with the utility back making a return to competition and be part of the RKS Deans Trophy win in 2018.
In 2019 he was part of 7s maestro Waisale Serevi’s King 7s team to the Coral Coast 7s also joining the Suva Rugby Union Development team to the 2019 Skipper Cup.
Vukivukiseru said like many rugby players in Fiji, the dream to represent Fiji was always on his mind.
“Wearing the white jumper for Fiji is something I dream of and I will work hard towards it. I have come a long way, and I am thankful to God for giving me a chance and to my family for always supporting my dreams.”
“Deo has a wealth of experience and will set up a strong team,” he said.
“The Dragons are the defending champion. The side started off round one strongly but lost two matches on the way. With players such as Bua, Vinesh and Sharma they also have a lot of firepower in their squad.”
In other matches, Nadi Club will host Olosara Club from Sigatoka while in the Sugar City battle, Lautoka Club will face South Seas United. Matches will start at 1pm. NWBSA 2020 League Points: Nadi Sports 15, Simla Draons 12, Nadi Club 12, Olosara 9, South Seas United 9, Lautoka Club 6, South Seas Warriors 0.