Cakaudrove East Under-9 netball team  achieved the impossible by qualifying for the semifinals for the first time in the 2015 Lewa Sewa Netters Inter-District Championship (IDC)  yesterday.

Even though the side went down 5-2 to Suva Gold, coach Lolo Temo said the fact that they reached the semifinals was a big achievement.

“This is the first time we have reached the semifinals and this is such a proud moment for me and the girls,” Temo said.

“Reaching the semifinals goes to show what hardwork can achieve and though it was difficult to coach this team, it was such a learning curve for me and the girls.

“Our biggest hurdle was raising funds to come here and it was $108 per head so we had to struggle.

“We sold sasa brooms, cut copra and sold fish in order to fundraise.

“Not only financially, but dealing with the kids who are playing netball for the first time can be really hard.”

Humble in defeat, Temo, who volunteered to coach the U9 netball team said.

She hoped to continue coaching the team.

“I was actually part of the U11 netball team helping out. When I heard that the U9 side had no coach, I volunteered and travelled to Tacilevu Village in Cakaudrove to be with the team,” he said.

“I used to play netball and knowing that our U9 has the potential to go this far.

“If they want me to continue coaching them, I would be happy.

“The main thing I want to do is bring up these girls from a young age and develop their talent and skills,” she said.

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