Club defies all odds to participate

For a club made-up of village youths, participating in a tournament is always the dream.

That was the fire that ignited the Tailevu handball team to participate in the Handball Fiji Elimination Cup last Saturday.

The team hails from Nabitu Village in Tokatoka, Tailevu.

Speaking to SUNsports, senior player Voroni Mua said participating in their first tournament is a great experience altogether.

“We formed this team last year; but we couldn’t participate in any tournaments,” he said.

“It was because all tournaments were for females but when we heard about this tournament; we had to come.”

Mua said the team has been preparing for a long time for the competition.

“There are some of us who are working; while most of us stay in the village. We will farm in the morning and then train in the afternoon; it has been our routine,” he said.

Mua added that the team was interested to try out the sport because it was a new and something interesting to learn.

“It is a new sport, very interesting but, we the people from Tailevu are not scared of trying something new,” he said.

Mua highlighted that the team faced financial difficulties prior to the competition.

“We have no sponsor, but it did not deter us.

“We sold our produce, do kati toa just to help fundraise so that we can come and participate,” he said.

He indicated that if the heart is willing, then anything is possible.

“We are from the village, yes, but we made it happen.

“Anyone can, it is up to their mindset and how they run things,” he said.

Mua said it was a dream come true to be able to participate in the tournament.

“From Tailevu to Suva, just us, God and the village on our backs.

“We thank our parents and our families for helping us make it happen,” he added.

In their opening match, Tailevu took a star studded Unity Club to the wire before bowing out 13-12.