The Fiji men’s hockey team is preparing for a formidable challenge as it heads into the highly anticipated Oceania Pacific Cup next month. Set to take place from December 9 to 12 at the National Hockey Turf in Laucala Bay, the tournament will feature fierce competition from eight teams, including the Fiji national team, Fiji Warriors, New Zealand Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Coach Shaun Corrie is excited to present two men’s teams, allowing more players to gain experience in this competitive environment. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly with the New Zealand Fiji team, which includes talented players from their national selection squads like Zander Fraser, Aidan Fraser, Rocco, and Khelvin Ratubuli. The fast-moving Solomon Islands team and the unpredictable players from Tonga and Samoa, who have access to athletes in Australia and New Zealand, will also be significant contenders.
Teams such as Vanuatu, boasting a hockey5s facility, and Papua New Guinea with its artificial turf, are seen as strong competitors as well. Coach Corrie emphasizes that every participating team is coming with a determination to secure victory, making for an exciting and fierce tournament.
While the full squad is yet to unite, with players from the West still waiting for leave from work, training sessions are ongoing in both Suva and the West, with the support of High-Performance Unit (HPU) coaches. The team remains hopeful about gathering everyone in Suva by the weekend, allowing them two weeks for joint preparation. They are focused on refining their fitness, team dynamics, and both offensive and defensive strategies.
The Fiji Hockey Federation expresses gratitude to their sponsors, including the Fiji Sports Commission, for their support leading up to this crucial competition. This teamwork and dedication bode well for the upcoming challenges, and the players are optimistic as they prepare to showcase their skills on an international stage.
In summary, the Fiji men’s hockey team is gearing up for a competitive Oceania Pacific Cup, aiming to overcome challenges and showcase their talent with the support of their community. This tournament represents not only a chance to compete but also to unite and strengthen their skills as they aim for success.
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