Fiji U-16 Coach Sunil Kumar is prioritizing mental preparedness and teamwork as his team prepares for their semifinal match against Tahiti in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship. With the goal of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, Kumar highlighted the significance of mental strength during training.
He has been working to ensure the players feel comfortable and supported, especially as they are far from home. This approach is vital for maintaining their focus throughout the tournament. “We’re trying to keep them engaged since they are away from home. It’s essential to create a sense of belonging and maintain their emotional balance, so mental preparation is key,” he stated.
Kumar also expressed the need for the players to collaborate effectively as a team, as individual talent alone will not suffice. “My focus is on helping them work together as a cohesive unit. While there is individual brilliance in the team, we need to integrate those talents and function as one,” he added.
One of Kumar’s concerns is how the team reacts to adversity during games. He noted that the boys tend to panic when they fall behind. “We have created challenges for ourselves, especially when we concede a goal; the boys get nervous. The objective now is to minimize these errors, as we cannot afford to make small mistakes any longer,” he emphasized.
Fiji is set to face Tahiti tomorrow afternoon at 4 PM.