The Fijianas’ loss to China was unexpected; the Saiasi Fuli-coached side was outclassed in most aspects of the game.
Team Fiji 7s women’s
captain Raijeli Daveua is stopped by the Canadian players. Photo: ONOC
Team Fiji 7s women’s captain Raijeli Daveua following their dismal performance of finishing last at the France Olympic has admitted that the side failed miserably.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze medalists suffered a 17-14 loss to Canada in their opening Pool A match followed by the shocking 40-12 thrashing by Olympic Games debutants China, walloped by eventual gold medal winner New Zealand 38-7, stunned by Brazil 28-22 in the ninth spot playoff and sent home by South Africa 21-15 in the 11th position match.
Going onto Stade de France, located north of Paris the Fijiana side were ranked sixth but returned home at the bottom of the list after losing all their games.
“It hurts, it hurts so much,” an emotional Daveua said.
“I as the captain of this team, I know it was the mental part that had cost us our performance,” she said.
“Coming to the Games Village, most of the players had lost their focus on the task at hand; this made the players focusing more on individual play.
Daveua commends the great job the coaches did in their preparation for the Olympics but she is disappointed at how the team played.
“The coaches did their job; it was just the players with their mental preparation.”
The Fijianas’ loss to China was unexpected; the Saiasi Fuli-coached side was outclassed in most aspects of the game.
Daveua added the players knew that the Olympics was a different kettle of fish, it comes around every four years and there was no room for if nor but.
“There are no major injuries in the team which is good news but the most important part is the little things because the little things matter in the Olympics.” she said.
“Some of the things we didn’t imagine that would have happened, the girls did it and they know.”
When asked about her plans after Olympics, Daveua said: “I hope to take up coaching but time will tell. I will go back to work and spend time with my loved ones but for now, my goal is to go into coaching.”
Team Fiji 7s women’s side:
Raijeli Daveua (captain), Verenaisi Ditavutu, Adi Vani Buleki, Lavena Cavuru, Reapi Ulunisau, Ana Maria Naimasi, Ilisapeci Delaiwau, Kolora Lomani, Aloesi Nakoci, Laisana Likuceva, Maria Rokotuisiga, Sesenieli Donu, Meredani Qoro, Adimereani Rogosau and Talei Qalo Wilson.
Head Coach: Saiasi Fuli.
Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj
