The Oceania Pacific Cup has proved to be an essential platform for the Fiji Warriors women’s hockey team, primarily composed of young players making their debut for the national side. Coach Alison Southey, who also leads the Fiji national women’s team, expressed that the tournament provides invaluable experience for these athletes.
Southey noted, “The Warriors are a development team; we have a lot of debutants in that team. Being exposed to this level of hockey is good for hockey overall in the country.” Despite facing a tough match against the national team and losing with a score of 1-12, the coach emphasized the positive growth opportunity for the players.
“The team is young and at the same time they have been training with the main team, so it’s a good build-up for them,” she continued.
Southey highlighted the success of the national women’s team, which is currently leading the tournament without any losses. She mentioned that the preparation is critical, with several players having participated in the World Cup, making the team well-prepared for upcoming challenges.
Additionally, the tournament acts as a selection process for the Heritage Cup scheduled for next year, enabling Southey to determine the strengths and areas for improvement within her squad.
In other developments, the Fiji men’s team faced a defeat against New Zealand, finishing 0-2 in their match. The finals of the Oceania Pacific Cup are set to take place today at the National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva.
This tournament, while presenting challenges, is not only about immediate results but also about building a stronger future for hockey in Fiji. The experience gained from competing at this level is crucial for the young players and highlights a promising path for the sport in the nation. With the potential for growth and a solid foundation being laid, there’s much to look forward to in the coming years for Fiji hockey.
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