Rodu works on finishing
Pluto wins title after 15 years
DIGICEL Buka Boys stand-in coach Marika Rodu is focusing on the team’s finishing.
The side is preparing for the Trinations FIFA international friendlies against the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Digicel Fiji U20 team.
The matches will be held from March 20-26 at Churchill Park in Lautoka and the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.
With less than two weeks of preparation left, Rodu said they were developing a lot of playing techniques.
He said they were working around the clock on a game plan.
“We are trying to prioritise our build up and our finishing so that we can win our games,” he said.
“The most important is the ball transition moment, so we working very hard on that.
“The players need to understand that their roles and how they react in tough situations.”
He said the inclusion of players such as Setareki Hughes, Christopher Wasasala, Sairusi Nalaubu could prove lethal for the side during attacks.
“These guys are top goal scorers in the country and we just have to be positive with them.
“Give them tips on how they can bring their strength up to the game.”
He adds despite the weather, they continue with their training.
“Since this is our first time coming together as a team, I am trying to get the bonding as well.”
Fixtures:
March 20 at Churchill Park, Lautoka - 2pm Solomon Islands v Fiji U20, 5pm Fiji v Vanuatu.
March 23 at Fiji FA Academy, Ba - 2pm Fiji v Fiji U20; at Churchill Park, Lautoka - 7.30pm Solomon Islands v Vanuatu.
March 26 at Churchill Park, Lautoka - 2pm Vanuatu v Fiji U20, 5pm Fiji v Solomon Islands
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NATABUA High School successfully held its 2023 inter-house athletics competition last week at the school grounds in Lautoka.
Pluto House, after a lapse of 15 years, won the overall trophy.
School head of PEMAC, Rupeni Caucau said the competition was very tight among the four houses.
“Overall, it was a good competition because we managed to find new talent for our zone athletics squad and we managed to successfully complete the competition despite the wet weather,” he said.
Caucau said with regards to the Coca-Cola Games, their focus was to prepare the athletes well for the Lautoka/ Yasawa Zone on April 5-6 at Churchill Park.
Natabua High School is the defending boys division winners at the Coca-Cola Lautoka Zone.
Principal Virendra Sharma said after not being able to conduct the inter-house last year, this year’s meet was eagerly anticipated by all.
“Despite the sudden passing of one of our own (Ratu Pasikali Naevo) and the challenging weather conditions, we managed to conclude the competition on a very happy note,” Sharma said.
“It is noteworthy that despite not winning the overall girls and boys titles, Pluto House managed to win the overall title, showing consistency in its performance in both the girls and boys divisions and grades.”
Sharma also acknowledged the parents, guardians and old scholars who came to show their support for their children.
“We are thankful to all the students who participated and also to the vocal supporters for all the houses.”
Mars and Jupiter houses were crowned as the overall girls division and overall boys division winners respectively while Pluto House was crowned the overall champion.