Black Pearl aims to take trophy home

eight.

Veilomani Brothers coach Ilaisa Deke said they never dreamt of defeating Navy in the elimination round as they were an underdog team in the competition.

“I thought we didn’t have any chance of creating an upset,” he said.

Deke said his advice to the boys before the game was to try their best.

“I would like to thank the Almighty for the strength provided to the players for without him we wouldn’t been

BLACK Pearl is eyeing to take back the cup to Kinoya after missing out from the volleyball competition of the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s last year.

The team won the women’s volleyball in 2022 but due to unforeseen circumstances, they could not take part last year.

Black Pearl manager Peniana Tokaduadua said it would be tough to achieve their goal as competition was tough.

“These small teams have really given us good competition this year,” she said.

“It’s good to see how these small teams have progressed over the years.”

Tokaduadua said they had been competing in the competition for the last five years.

“Our aim is to take back the trophy to its home in Kinoya,” she said.

She said the team faced a lot of challenges in preparing for the volleyball competition.

“The boat we boarded to come to Taveuni was full and it was rough,” she said.

“Also, upon arriving on the island we had to look for a campsite.

She said at times the team could not train together due to the players busy schedule.

able to achieve this win,” he said.

He said they did not prepare well for the competition.

“Maintaining our discipline has enabled us to achieve this win against one of the favourites of the tournament,” he said.

“I came to meet most of the players here at the ground. When we paid for the registration, there were only six of us from Navakawau here in Taveuni.” The cup quarterfinals start at 8am today.