Silktails, Sigatoka Methodist Seal Deal
Kaiviti Silktails Rugby League club opened its third Centre of Excellence at the Sigatoka Methodist College yesterday.
This is the first for the sport in the Nadroga/Navosa province where rugby union remains predominant. Kaiviti Silktails RLC head coach Wes Naiqama said the set-up is part and parcel of Petero Civoniceva’s vision for the game.
The former Newcastle Knights centre added that the Silktails started the season with a win in the Ron Massey Cup competition but due to the COVID-19 pandemic everything was stopped.
“Through that we managed to re-focus on development in Fiji through the pathways programme where we have set-up gyms across the country,” he said.
“We (with Civoniceva) played together in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, we had a few local based- players in that squad.
“So throughout the conversation in that campaign, I realised there was a disadvantage as there was no direct pathway for these boys to pursue their dreams or to reach out to the NRL.
“Through that this concept started and we came up with the results today.”
Naiqama, a former Fijian Bati captain added that there are a lot of talented players in the province like Lote Tuqiri, Noa Nadruku, Akuila Uate and latest sensation Maika Sivo.
“We hope to grow strength to strength with this partnership for ourselves, students and for rugby league in the province,” he said. He thanked the SMC board of management of agreeing to host the High Performance gym not only for the Silktail players but for the students and staff.
SMC manager Tiko Matawalu said the school was approached by Silktails chairman Petero Civonaceva who was in search of a space. “They were shopping for a space when they came to us. They also wanted to partner with a school so it can also benefit the community as well,” he said.
“This is not only for Silktails. The school is so privileged to be given the fully fledged gym and these pathways for the student.
“That’s a milestone and a big step for the school.”
SMC principal Timaima Katonivualiku shared similar sentiments reiterating the benefit it would bring to the students and the community as well.