Playing in the 2022 Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Deans Trophy competition the Nabua Secondary School Under 18 players are out with a mission to reclaim lost glory.

The once team to beat school side have swerved from that direction many moons ago.

In order to get back on course they must tighten their game management and discipline.

Speaking to SUNsports team manager Soloila Muavono said it has been a long time since NSS has basked in glory.

“Our mission is put Nabua Secondary where it belongs, to be one of those at the top,” Muavono said.

“It’s a long time since Nabua played in any grade finals of the Deans competition,” she said.

“Before Nabua used to finish in the top eight sometimes in the final of the age group competition, but that has not been happening for some time.

“Our goal now is to finish in the top four in the grades we are playing in come the finals rounds.

“We have a lot of players that are playing up and that is an huge advantage to us moving forward as we are looking three to four years ahead.

Then for great things to be achieved there are always challenges. Muavono said absenteeism and lack of funding were the two challenges they struggled with in the initial stages of preparations.

“Students stayed away from training and it was difficult to get a side to start things. Then there was finance which we need to have to accommodate the students’ needs.

“Training sessions need to finish before 4.30pm because most of these students have Blue Cards.

“If they use their cards after 4.30pm they are charged more, we didn’t want that to happen.

“Our win against William Cross last week was an approach changer; it changed the players’ mindset and attitude.

“As soon as the final for school rings, they are all rushing to change to be ready for training.

“Everyone in on the same boat, same mission and all have same goal.

“At first it was tough to bring them together and form a team but now it’s all good.

“Playing equipment like boots and other items are on our list now, hopefully a Good Samaritan will come our way to help the players.”

NSS is in the Southern zone. They lost to Gospel High School 7-15 on Saturday.

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj