Ikanikoda Says: It Will Be Tough

Fijian 7s playmaker Livai Ikanikoda is a su­rivor. The Police Blue star made a comeback from a severe leg injury that could have end­ed his career.

However, he underwent rehab for more than two years and is now in the national 7s training squad for the Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan, next year.

“I thank the Lord for giving me the strength,” the humble player said.

After their training session at Albert Park, Suva, yesterday Ikanikoda admitted that the journey is not going to be easy from here to the Olympics.

“The new players have proved themselves from the Skipper Cup and are now in the squad,” he said.“It’s going to made things hard as we will contest to keep our position in the team.

“It’’s going to be a lot of pressure but that is good for the team.”

Ikanikoda also welcomed the inclusion of Suva playmaker Jone Manu.

Head coach Gareth Baber said the new players had proved themselves in the Skipper Cup and deserve to be included in the team.

He also pointed out that speedster Alasio Naduva is yet to reach the fitness level he is required to be in.

“It’s good that during training Alasio is always pushing himself but he is yet to be where he is sup­posed to be,” Baber said.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua