Fijian 3 On AFL Deal
Three players have got the opportunity to play Aussie Rules in Australia from February, after they were recruited by the Coreen Daysdale Hopefield Buraja Football and Netball club.
Vitogo, Lautoka native Jekesoni Koroi who plays for Nadi Panthers said, this is a dream come true.
“I was in complete shock when I was told that I would be going to Australia to play Aussie rules.
“Who knew playing this sport could lead to such great opportunities,” he said.
Also recruited from the Lautoka Raiders are William Dyer and Josese Rokodamana as they have been playing in the local competition for over eight.
“They’re elated to be given such an opportunity and are looking forward to joining the club in early February. “ Koroi added.
NAITANUI SUCCESS
The players are excited as they hope to follow the success of Nic Naitanui who plays for West Coast Eagles in the AFL.
Along with his twin brother, Mark, Naitanui was born to Bola and Atetha Naitanui on 4 May 1990 in Penrith, New South Wales.
His parents, originally from Suvavou, had emigrated to Australia from Fiji the previous year, with his two elder siblings.
HARD WORK
AFL Fiji chairman, Leigh Howard said, “I’m extremely happy for the boys in being selected to go and play football at the highest level in Australia, he said.
“It’s a credit to all of their hard work at training and having a great attitude to football.
“I specifically flew to Australia back in September last year to meet with Coreen to discuss potential recruitment and I was blown away by their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.
“It means so much to me to see local talents being giving the opportunity and hopefully they will be great ambassadors of this recruitment programme.”
FIJIAN FLAIR
CDHBU Football and Netball club president Chris Scott said they’re very excited to be given the opportunity to have the Fijian boys come to play for their team.
“Everyone at the club is looking forward to both the cultural exchange and the opportunity to help these boys develop their football skills.
“We feel it is an honour to be the first team to be chosen to participate in this programme and the whole club is looking forward to the arrival of the three boys.
“Fijians are known for their athleticism and we’re keen to see them display the fast running and hard at approach that they are so well known for in rugby.
“They will bring some excitement to our club”.
Meanwhile, the AFL Fiji season will kick-off in Suva in April while Lautoka Raiders and Nadi Panthers have already started their pre-season training.
-Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
