Chiefs coach tells of winning recipe

The sacrifices of the past 15 months have been paid in full.

These were the comments of Yaro Chiefs head coach Paula Karatu when his men claimed the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s title at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, last Saturday.

They defeated fellow kinsmen, Ravuka Sharks 28-12 in the Cup final. Karatu said it was not an easy journey when they founded their team, 15 months ago.

The former Nadroga centre said the win was through divine intervention.

“This win is dedicated to the Turaga Tui Lawa who has been backing us through thick and thin, our families, supporters, sponsors and everyone who has been with us since day one,” Karatu told SUNsports.

“All our sweat and tears have been paid in full, and this win has been rewarding.

“This team was built from a conversation between the Momo Tui Lawa, Emosi Vucago and I.

"We struggled from the start.” Karatu added that playmaker Amenoni Nasilasila played a key role and was a big boost to the players.

“Many teams are defeated men-tally when they hear the name Nasilasila.

“He brings in a lot of experience to guide these young play-ers. I always tell the boys I only aim high and this was one of our goals we made it.”

Karatu said the team camped throughout Christmas and New Year’s Day.

“For me as coach I’d like to see some of these players earn their spot in the national team or secure contracts through the Fijian Drua or overseas clubs.”

Meanwhile, Ravuka Sharks head coach Etonia Naba com-mended his team on their performance during the three-day tournament.

He said one of the highlights was beating the New Zealand development team twice.

“I salute Yaro Chiefs for a good game. Many thought we’ve only met here in the final but we have been having several warm-up matches leading up to the Coral Coast 7s.

“We hope to continue in this form leading up to the Marist 7s and a few other tournaments ahead.”

Ravuka Sharks is the team from Yadua Village from Nadroga while the Chiefs included youths from Malolo, Yasawa and Nadroga.