The Fiji men’s hockey team is gearing up for the upcoming Oceania Pacific Cup, which is set to take place from December 9 to 12 at the National Hockey Turf in Laucala Bay. As the competition draws closer, the team faces formidable opponents, including the Fiji Warriors, New Zealand Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Coach Shaun Corrie is enthusiastic about having two men’s teams competing, which will offer more players valuable experience in a highly competitive setting. He highlighted the prowess of their rivals, particularly the New Zealand Fiji team, which features players from the New Zealand National Selection Squads—among them Zander Fraser, Aidan Fraser, Rocco, and NZ-based Fiji representative Khelvin Ratubuli.
The Solomons are also expected to be tough competitors, bolstered by the recent establishment of their High-Performance Unit Institute. Additionally, Tonga and Samoa often benefit from the participation of their players based in Australia and New Zealand, adding an element of unpredictability to their gameplay. Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, with their advanced facilities and dynamic playing styles, are also considered serious contenders.
The selection process for the full squad is still underway, as some players are awaiting their leave from work to join the rest of the team in Suva. Meanwhile, training sessions are being conducted both in Suva and in the West, with support from High-Performance Unit coaches. The team hopes to have their complete roster assembled by the weekend, providing them with two weeks to refine their strategies and cohesiveness.
Despite the time constraints, the team’s focus remains on honing their fitness levels, team dynamics, and tactical approaches, both offensively and defensively. Coach Corrie expressed gratitude towards the sponsors and supporters of Fiji Hockey Federation, noting their essential role in the team’s preparation for the competition.
In summary, while the Fiji men’s hockey team prepares for a demanding challenge at the Oceania Pacific Cup, their determination and the support they have received give reason to be optimistic about their performance. The spirit of teamwork and collaboration among players and coaches could lead to notable achievements in the tournament.
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