Gospel boys chasing dream at AIMS
Suva’s Gospel Primary School has sent rugby players on to professional careers, and now 14 of its current students are hoping to follow in their footsteps at the Zespri AIMS Games.
The school’s rugby sevens team will travel to Tauranga this week for its fifth appearance at the Games, inspired by former students who used rugby to open doors beyond Fiji.
Former Gospel Primary student Malakai Cama was awarded a scholarship to Te Puke Intermediate, where he was part of the team that won the AIMS Games sevens title in 2018.
His father, Tomi Finau, said Cama later earned a scholarship to Rotorua Boys’ High School before joining the Auckland Warriors’ under-19 and under-21 programmes.
Now, the latest generation of Gospel Primary players is hoping to make its own mark at AIMS.
The team will also have the chance to face Te Puke Intermediate again, with the players determined to come away with a win this time.
A prayer breakfast and drive helped raise FJ$4,000 toward the trip, giving the students the chance to compete at the competition.
Head of School (HOS), Mr Paiata Faga Savukiono, said preparations had been going well, and the opportunity was important for both the players and the school’s rugby development.
“Several of the boys come from rural communities and have worked hard to balance their education, family responsibilities and training commitments. Their dedication has helped them earn selection for the AIMS Games.”
Savukiono said “the team takes pride in showcasing Fijian culture, values and sportsmanship. They are excited to meet students from different countries, learn from the experience and represent Fiji to the best of their ability.”
For most of the players, this will be their first overseas sporting trip. But players Ilimo Niumatasere and Epenisa Vakacegu said the support from families, teachers and the wider school community had lifted the team rather than added pressure.
Combined training sessions with the school’s eight rugby teams have helped sharpen the squad before departure.
Niumatasere and Vakacegu said their goal was to reach the final, believing strong performances could open doors as scouts may be watching. Away from the field, the boys are also looking forward to making new friends, trying KFC and experiencing New Zealand’s cold weather.
Gospel Primary School may be a relatively small school in Samabula, but it has an outsized rugby story. As well as Cama, former student Taqele Naiyaravoro went on to become a professional rugby union and rugby league player after being spotted by a New Zealand scout.
The Gospel Primary School sevens team arrived in New Zealand on Thursday, 3 September, ahead of what will be the school’s fifth appearance at the AIMS Games.
