Namosi women’s rugby coach Maraia Kasanita has celebrated the significant influence of the late Elenoa Kunatuba in leading the team to recent successes in women’s rugby. Kasanita’s remarks came after their Marama Cup campaign, where she highlighted how Kunatuba’s vision and leadership played a central role in the team’s achievements.
Kasanita pointed out the profound impact Kunatuba had on the players, sharing, “If we look into the win today, most of these girls were brought into the team by her. I only taught them a few of the things that she (Elenoa) guided me through.” This acknowledgment illustrates the strong foundation established by Kunatuba during her coaching tenure, fostering talent and passion among the players.
The recent victory was not merely a tournament success, but also a tribute to Kunatuba’s legacy. “If there is anyone to credit for the win today, it should be her, for what the girls had learned and also what I’ve learned from her for the past three years before she passed away,” Kasanita expressed, conveying her deep appreciation for the guidance received from Kunatuba.
Kasanita also reflected on the challenges faced by the team, particularly their previous losses to Suva, which tested their determination. “We lost to Suva last year, we even lost to them this year during the round-robin stages. We are so happy for today’s win as we have been trying for a very long time,” she stated, highlighting the resilience and unwavering spirit of her players.
Namosi’s recent accomplishments not only pay homage to Kunatuba’s enduring legacy but also herald a promising future for women’s rugby in Fiji. As the team builds on its success, Kasanita and her players inspire hope within the sporting community, showcasing the potential for growth and triumph in women’s rugby. With a solid foundation and motivated athletes, Namosi is poised to create more remarkable success stories in the world of women’s sports.