The Raiwai Rebels made a remarkable entrance into the Rooster Chicken Volleyball Grassroot Development Festival, kicking off the two-day event with a resounding victory. Competing at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, the Rebels secured a straight-set win over the Tribal Risk team, with scores of 25-7 and 25-20.
This tournament is designed to elevate the standard of volleyball across Fiji and spotlight emerging talents within the sport. Head coach Gade Gonevakarua conveyed his enthusiasm for the team’s performance, noting the short preparation time of just one week. “Our preparation coming to the competition was not long; we had one week to train and prepare the team,” he stated, emphasizing the potential of the young athletes representing the Raiwai area.
The Rebels encountered some challenges during the competition, particularly in the second set. However, their resilience and determination were evident. “It was a good match; our opponent, Tribal Risk, was strong. They challenged us in the second set, but I appreciate the boys for their fighting spirit until the end,” Gonevakarua reflected.
The coach also identified areas for growth, particularly in communication and player rotation. He expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities and the importance of giving all players a chance to contribute. “We have a few things to improve on, especially our communication; we also have a solid team, so we will keep the players in rotation,” he added.
Gonevakarua’s aspirations extend beyond this tournament, as he aims to prepare the athletes for future opportunities to potentially represent Fiji on a national level. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and perseverance, thanking both his team and their supporters for their vital roles in achieving success.
As the tournament approaches its conclusion, hopes are high that the Rebels will capitalize on their strong start and play a pivotal role in the advancement of volleyball in Fiji. The positive energy surrounding the team showcases a promising future for the sport in the region.