Masi: Aim is to develop rugby on Kadavu

“THE main goal of forming this team is to help with the development of rugby on Kadavu.”

These are the words of Kadavu’s head coach Anare Masi on forming a team to compete at the Vodafone Vanua Championship which starts this weekend.

Kadavu is one of the two newcomers to the tournament alongside Taveuni and has already been making its presence known after its trial match against Nadroga last weekend.

“Eighty per cent of the players in our team come directly from the village, while only five to six players are from Suva,” Masi said.

The side made its presence known last weekend when they almost defeated Skipper Cup powerhouse Nadroga on its home ground.

“We are not here to make the numbers, but we are here to compete, and our ultimate goal is to book a spot in the Skipper Cup competition by the end of the season.”

The side plays its first match of the Vanua Championship against Navosa at its home turf at Vatureba Grounds.

“We are looking forward to the season, and the boys are all excited to be competing.”

Kadavu is fielding two teams to the competition, their men’s and under-20 teams.

“Looking at the tournament and the target we have set, we know it will not be easy, but we want to show other teams that we have what it takes to compete among these giant teams.”

Meanwhile, 7s maestro Waisale Serevi visited the team at its camp on Tuesday, where he handed over grocery shopping to help with the team’s meals.

“Having the King of 7s visit us at camp was very encouraging for us, especially for the players.

“It was his way of encouraging us the underdog team, which really boosted the morale of our players.”

The side plays Navosa tomorrow at Vatureba Park in Sigatoka at 1 pm.