Three veteran players from the Naitasiri rugby team are set to embrace a momentous occasion as they prepare for their final game in the Skipper Cup final today. Fullback Etonia Rokotuisawa, flanker Maciu Vakacabeqoli, and outside back Viliame Kanatabua will don the team’s red and black for one last time as they face Malolo at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
For these players, the match represents more than just a chance for glory; it marks the end of a significant chapter in their rugby journeys after 15 years of dedication to the Naitasiri colors. Coach Timoci Tinaviti recognizes the bittersweet nature of the occasion, as the team bids farewell to athletes who have profoundly impacted both on and off the field.
“It’s an emotional moment for us, and we want to dedicate this last game to our senior players,” said Tinaviti. He shared that the trio, along with captain Jone Naqiri, are the only remaining members from the squad that competed in the 2022 final against Nadi, where they narrowly missed the title. The coach has echoed the importance of acknowledging the contributions of these seasoned players while looking ahead to the opportunities this final provides for the team’s younger players.
While the Naitasiri team comes into this match following a successful season that included securing the Farebrother Trophy, they will face a determined Malolo team known for their competitive spirit, often referred to as “giant slayers.” With the last meeting between these teams resulting in a decisive win for Naitasiri, the team aims to build on that momentum as they step onto the field for this rewarding yet emotional farewell.
As the final whistle approaches, the match will serve both as a contest for the Skipper Cup title and a tribute to the enduring legacy of the players departing the jersey. Fans are invited to witness this memorable showdown live on FBC 2 at 3 PM, promising an exciting conclusion to the rugby season for Naitasiri. This moving event encapsulates the essence of Fijian rugby, intertwining passion, dedication, and community spirit, leaving fans hopeful for the future of the sport in the province.