Derenalagi on leadership
Fiji Airways Fiji 7s captain Meli Derenalagi believes that he has to raise his level of leadership for the remaining legs of the HSBC World 7s Series.
The Nawaka, Nadi, villager was given the co-captain’s role along with Seremaia Tuwai by coach Gareth Baber at the Hamilton and Sydney 7s last month.
Since then, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of Baber’s key leaders five months out from the Tokyo Olympic Games. Derenalagi said the guidance of the senior players in the team has helped him in his new role.
“Firstly for me it’s quite a challenging. I need to step up a little bit more for the roles that I have been assigned to carry out,” he said. “The great and helpful assistance from senior players such as Jerry Tuwai, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Paula Dranisinukula and Waisea Nacuqu has helped me and the team.”
The team received the Asco Motors Team of the Year award during last Saturday’s Fiji Sports Awards in Suva.
The young captain collected the award on behalf of the team.
“It’s an honor to win this award and the achievement is truly for my team mates so I want to thank the boys for their consistency in making all Fijians proud where ever they play,” Derenalagi said.
“Not forgetting our coaching staff and management for always being there for us through thick and thin.
“I want to also thank our families, friends and fans here in Fiji and abroad for always showing their endless support.”
The former Queen Victoria School student will be a hot contender to once again lead the team to the third leg of the HSBC 7s Series in
Los Angeles and Vancouver 7s.