Raiwai women focused on target, Suva retains title

TAKING things a step at a time, the Raiwai women’s volleyball team remains resolute in its target of getting their players to represent Fiji.

The team fell in the quarterfinals of the HBK Vulaca Championship yesterday, losing to rivals Suva by two straight sets.

However, reaching the quarters has ensured their spot in the Vanua Challenge which is planned to be held in March.

With a clear target in mind, the team has been boosted with the engagement of the Police Mobile Unit in their community, ensuring their persistent involvement in the sport.

“The Raiwai team has been in this competition for a very long time with a tough rivalry against Suva. I’m with the Police Mobile Unit and we have community engagement programs with the Raiwai youth, so this is like the development phase for their budding as we aim to get them to be selected for the national team and to represent Fiji internationally,” team manager Moli Karanavatu explained.

“To my knowledge we only have one player in this team that has represented Fiji. Sainimere Sema was a middle player during the 2023 Pacific Games. Sema was selected when she was in the Suva association so none of the current players from Raiwai are in the national squad.

“Sema is also part of the Police Mobile Unit and that is how she came in to join Raiwai volleyball. Their aim is to be selected for the Oceania so from now until the Vanua Challenge, we will be focusing on their fitness, skills and have them mentally ready for that.”

While there is some support from the community, the development support needed to boost the sport in the community of Raiwai is still needed.

“They have the talent but lack the support needed. For a community such as Raiwai I feel that a lot of people need to come together and try to put on something good for them because they have very talented young players. We have very prominent names who came from Raiwai but the commitment towards the development is what they lack,” added Karavata who was a former national volleyball representative.

Meanwhile, Suva went on to defend its women’s title, defeating Mid-Central by three sets to one in the final.

Picture: SOPHIE RALULU Lami player Ratu Loco Qiolevu (left) prepares to spike the ball against Suva during the HBK Vulaca Championship volleyball competition at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday.