The Navala Youth sevens rugby team remain focused on their goal for the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament.

Regardless of the numerous challenges faced during their preparation they are optimistic.

Team official Ilairo Belo said yesterday the team fundraised on their own to cater for transportation and accomodation for the three-day tournament.

“We faced bad weather recently and the players don’t have the proper gym equipment,” he said.

“The players often use tyres for training, but these players are used to it as they have leant to improvise.”

Belo said the team has been preparing for three weeks.

“The players searched for odd jobs like farm work for their expenses to the Coral coast tournament,” he said.

“The bridge at the village which is connected to the Ba River was flooded during Christmas.”

Belo said the school grounds which the team normally trains on were also flooded.

“It will be the second time that we participate in the tournament,” he said.

“We will have to try to reach the playoffs this year.”

Belo said the players will need to have a focused mindset and better communication on the field.

“Our opponents consist of the top local teams and the invitational teams from overseas,” he said.

“I told the players to refrain from drugs and petty crime.”

Belo said he has advised the players to showcase their talent in the tournament.

“This tournament is an opportunity for these players to make a living by playing rugby professionally,” he said.

“Our strength is the bond within the team as the players are from one village (Navala).

“There are other players from outside that joins the team, but they are blood related which creates a unique bond.”

Belo said he is inviting the villagers of Navala Ba to turn up at the tournament and cheer on the team.

“This team represent Navala and we need all the support we can get,” he said.

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