Marika Naupoto Warns Police as Army Basketball Prepares for Sukuna Bowl Return

Army basketball manager Marika Naupoto says his team is ready to challenge Police when the Sukuna Bowl competition returns to the court after a 15-year absence. The defending champions can expect a determined opponent, he says, after Army has spent recent weeks building up its preparation. Naupoto, an Assistant Planning Officer at Land Force Operations, said the Army players had been working hard and hoped their effort would show when they meet Police at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva. He delivered a pointed message to the title-holders on behalf of the team, saying Army was prepared to give them a serious contest. The manager is also counting on support from Army members when the competition gets underway next Thursday. Both the men’s and women’s teams are expected to take part, and Naupoto urged supporters to fill the stands and encourage the players as they try to end Police’s run at the top. The return of basketball to the Sukuna Bowl after a 15-year break adds extra significance to the matchup, according to the report. Army’s challenge is clear: turn its training into a strong performance and try to take the title from the defending champions. Naupoto says the team is confident its preparation will give it a chance to make its mark.