Fiji U-16 Coach Sunil Kumar is concentrating on mental preparedness and team cohesion as the team prepares for their semifinal match against Tahiti in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship. With an aim to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, Kumar shared details about the squad’s preparations, highlighting the significance of mental resilience.
He mentioned the ongoing efforts to help the players feel comfortable despite being away from home, which is crucial for maintaining their focus. “We’re trying to keep them engaged as we know they’re away from home, so we’re making an effort to create a homely environment. It’s essential to manage their emotions as part of mental preparedness,” he said.
Kumar’s strategy revolves around fostering teamwork. “My plan is to encourage them to work together as a team; there are instances of individual brilliance, but we need to integrate these talents and collaborate effectively.”
One of Kumar’s concerns is the team’s reaction to adversity during matches. “We have created challenges for ourselves, especially when we fall behind by a goal; the boys tend to get anxious. Therefore, our focus must be on reducing these errors, as we cannot afford any mistakes moving forward,” he explained.
Fiji is set to face Tahiti tomorrow at 4 PM.