Bemana village in Navosa, approximately two hours from Sigatoka Town, is rekindling its love for sports with the revival of the Heni-Ivi Netball and Rugby Club. After years without active competition, the club is now offering young villagers the chance to participate, compete, and proudly represent their community.
At the recent FMF Navosa Netball and Rugby 7s competition, both the netball and rugby teams made impressive strides, reaching the semi-finals—an inspiring achievement for a club in the midst of revitalization. Although neither team progressed to the finals, their performances reinforced a strong message: Bemana is on the rise.
The netball team narrowly fell short of the final, losing a tense match against Qwalimavua with a score of 9-7. Similarly, the rugby team experienced a heartbreaking defeat, losing 15-14 against Corika in their semi-final matchup. Despite these setbacks, netball manager Vani Narabe underscored the importance of participation and representation over mere results.
Narabe remarked that the reestablished Heni-Ivi netball club, which has been inactive for two decades, aims to raise the standard of netball in the village while providing young girls with a platform to shine. Despite obstacles such as limited coaching resources, the team has shown remarkable commitment and determination during training sessions. The squad consists entirely of local girls, many of whom are students at St Teresa College, with some still in Year 8 at primary school.
“Our goal is to elevate this club to new heights and highlight the young talent we possess here,” Narabe stated.
On the rugby front, manager Basilio Livono noted that the club is also experiencing a revitalization, having resumed activities after a five-year break. Formerly known as Seniivi Rugby Club, it has transitioned to Heni-Ivi, with a renewed focus on youth development. The current rugby roster primarily consists of Under-20 players hailing from Natabua High School, Ratu Kadavulevu School, and St Teresa College in Bemana.
The FMF Navosa 7s represented only their second tournament, following their debut at the Nabua 7s in Narata village a few weeks earlier. The team is now gearing up for the Yasawa 7s event next week.
While the semi-final losses were undoubtedly tough, Livono emphasized that the experience gained through competition is invaluable for the team’s growth. For the small community of Bemana, the resurgence of the Heni-Ivi Netball and Rugby Club signifies much more than just sporting events; it represents a vital pathway for youth, a way to rebuild community pride, and a testament to the fact that talent and perseverance can thrive even in the most remote areas of Navosa.