Reps Praise For Naca

Nacanieli Cawanibuka is no stranger to Fiji Rugby.

He does not only train our national 7s team physically, but spiritually as well.

The strength and conditioning (S&C) coach who is fondly known Naca, is a role model and one that’s in charge of the training sessions of our players preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

And like captain Seremaia ‘Jerry’ Tuwai, it was the 43-year old Kadavu native second Olympic gold medal after being part of the Rio 2016 Olympics as well.

Tuwai, Cawanibuka and physiotherapist, William Kwoong were the surviving members from the 2016 Games.

He is someone who is highly respected in the team being a fatherly figure and guides them through the challenging times in camp.

In an interview with Fiji Rugby Union, Tuwai and fellow teammate Waisea Nacuqu shared Naca’s input.

Tuwai shared how the five months away from families was tough and they had discussed among teammates to leave camp at one point.

And it’s the advice and encouraging words of the team management and Cawanibuka that held them through those challenging to accomplish and focus on their Olympic goal – that is bring gold from Tokyo.

Dearly Respect

“Naca is someone we dearly respect. He is like a father figure to us, who has taught us a lot of religious stuff and I know it has helped us through our games,” Tuwai shared.

“Personally for myself, I have been working with Naca for a long time now. You know I owe a lot towards Naca -sometimes when I’m down and willing to give up.

“I am really grateful that we have a good strength and conditioning coach that not only trains us physically to be fit but always take care of you and always try to bring the best of you.”

Tuwai added that he would closely watch and monitor their diet. They would be dealt at training if caught cheating on their diets.

“He is the S&C coach, he knows everything. He kept all the records, comparing our performances to the teams before us.

“And he always shows us that, he always said that numbers don’t lie. We wore GPS when we run and we can’t hide and lie from that.

Diet Check

“Our diet includes no hidden sugar and carbs but sometimes we do step out of our boundaries.

“We Fijians love carbs but we had to adjust. It takes time but I’m thankful that the boys have adjusted to it.

“I also want to credit the physio, there is always injuries – big and small. To Saki and William in doing our rehabs and preparing us for the next job,” Tuwai added.

Sermons, Devotion

Nacuqu, who injured his knee during the World Sevens Series and having fractured his collar bone in 2019 did not stop him from achieving his Olympic dream.

“Thank you to the management team especially to S&C coach, Naca for his guidance and not only preparing us physically but spiritually as well.

“His sermons and daily devotion always encourages us during training.”

The policeman also acknowledged team manager, Jone Niurua and the physio team in aiding recovery and rehab.

The team is currently in quarantine at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi and will be out of quarantine on Saturday. The rest of Team Fiji athletes arrive into the country today.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj