Mental resilience will be key to the performance of the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s sevens team as they prepare for the upcoming HSBC SVNS series leg in Singapore and Perth. This squad is rich in talent and experience, with players capable of lighting up the field. However, head coach Osea Kolinisau emphasizes that it is mental fortitude that will distinguish champions from merely talented athletes in the rigorous environment of top-level competition.
Kolinisau has been intentionally crafting high-pressure situations during training to acclimatize his players to the demanding conditions they will face. “We’re pushing the boys in training by getting them tired and then challenging them to perform difficult tasks, especially in defense,” he explained. His approach aims to assess how players manage fatigue while maintaining their focus and effectiveness on the field.
He further elaborated on how many athletes can thrive without pressure, but true champions emerge from those who can remain mentally strong in high-stress scenarios. “A lot of people can perform well when they are not under pressure and have the luxury of thinking through their actions. The challenge comes when players are fatigued and still need to decide on their next moves. We want to instill a mental toughness that allows them to function effectively when they are exhausted,” he noted.
With expectations building ahead of the tournament, the mental pressure is heightened for the Fijian team as they aim to defend their title. Fiji is coming in as the reigning champions after defeating Kenya 21-12 in the final last year. The competition is set to take place from January 31 to February 1, and fans are hopeful for another triumphant performance. This determination and focus on mental resilience can serve as a powerful driving force for the team in their quest for victory.
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