Vodafone Fiji Bati center Waqa Blake expressed the need for focus and determination as the team prepares for their upcoming match against the Cook Islands Aitu in the 2024 Pacific Championship this weekend. His comments came after reflecting on the team’s recent defeat against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls.
Despite suffering a 10-22 loss to the Kumuls, Blake felt that their performance was acceptable but acknowledged missed opportunities that the opposing team capitalized on. “I didn’t think we played too bad; we just didn’t take opportunities when they came, and then they capitalized on it,” he said.
Blake remains optimistic about the Bati’s chances of victory in the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of improving their training and working hard. He noted that the team aims to focus on their own performance as they approach their second game against the Aitu.
Reflecting on their previous encounter with the Aitu last year, in which the Bati won 22-18 in Port Moresby, Blake mentioned, “We just have to worry about ourselves. I think last year we had a close game against them, and we almost lost.”
Blake, who hails from Lautoka, made his international debut with the Bati in 2017.