ACCREDITATION TODAY: MAZEY
Sevens star playmaker opts to play for the Yasawa Marlins over Lautoka Maroons
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s star playmaker Napolioni Ratu Bolaca ended speculations by confirming that he would play for the Yasawa Marlins in the Skipper Cup Premiership. Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Bolaca said that he was putting his body on the line to bring glory to his island team.
Bolaca said he had made his decision and was also grateful to the Lautoka Maroons who were chasing to secure his services.
He is going to be joined by former Fijian 7s captain Kalioni Nasoko, utility back Waisea Nacuqu and speedy winger Rusiate Matai who is a member of tended squad.
“This will be my first time to play for Yasawa in the Skipper Cup,” Bolaca said.
“It is a big break for me. I do know that Lautoka Maroons have been after me as well but Yasawa always comes first.
Yasawa who are the newcomers in the competition take on Nadi in their opening Skipper Cup clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka on July 25.
“The last two years I played for Yasawa in the Vodafone Vanua Championship. This year it will be a tough season. Playing Nadi at Lautoka will be a grand game for the vanua of Yasawa, most importantly to our fans. We all have been waiting for this day for some time now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Western-based national sevens’ players had their training session at the Fiji Airport ground yesterday.
Players present the
Fijian during 7s extraining were Vilimoni Botitu, Nacuqu, Matai, Kitione Salawa Jnr, Tevita Mocui, brothers- Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Kavekini and Isoa Tabu
Nadi builds on depth
The Nadi Rugby Union team are using their friendly matches against Namosi and Nadroga to build depth in their squad.
Nadi host Namosi at Prince Charles Park on Friday and take on Nadroga at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on Saturday. Both games kicks-off at 3pm.
NRU president Mataiasi Nabau said they were going to field two teams.
“This will give us an opportunity to gauge the players’ capabilities especially after a long break due to COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. Nabau said the team had off-season training from December but unfortunately around March they stopped due to the pandemic. He said, they wanted to ensure that come game day, the players are prepared mentally and physically. “During the lockdown the boys were given their training programme and again when we reassembled last week. The team management conducted a fitness test and we are happy with the results despite the restrictions.
“We have selected teams to play the respective two games. It is vital to play and test the depth and move on from there.”
The side had been training at Prince Charles Park and were joined by Flying Fijians hooker Vereamlua Vugakoto, New Zealand based-prop John Jackson, Turuva Lumelume, US based- Naulia Dawai, Kenneth Delai, Veniona Vuki, Kitione Taliga, Samisoni Viriviri and former Cuvu College’s Josefa Kunagado.
Nadi Jets will open their Skipper Cup 2020 campaign against Yasawa Marlins on July 25.
Netball and rugby league are two major sporting organisations that could be receiving their Safe Sports Fiji accreditation today.
Fijian National Sports Commission executive chairman, Peter Mazey yesterday confirmed that they are going to make an announcement today.
“About 12 sports will be accredited,” Mazey said.
In an earlier interview, he said they are waiting on the Ministry of Health to sign the applications so they could be accredited and go ahead with their comp.
>Simione Haravanua