The Queen Victoria School Under-18 team, the reigning champions of the Vodafone Deans Trophy, is emphasizing discipline and leadership as they prepare to take on Marist Brothers High School in the quarterfinal match scheduled for tomorrow at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Anare Tabakaucoro, the captain of QVS U18, shared his thoughts in an interview, noting that their preparations have been standard, but they hold a deep respect for Marist Brothers, despite them finishing third in their zone.
Tabakaucoro revealed he has faced challenges integrating into the current QVS squad since he is new to the team. He did not play with them last year, but he often shares insights with his teammates based on what the previous team accomplished in terms of preparation and execution, which led to last year’s victory in the Deans Trophy.
“Once again, we aim to play for each other, our families, friends, and the alumni this year,” he stated. He highlighted that their greatest strength comes from honoring the sacrifices made by their parents.
Many of his teammates have not seen their families for extended periods, particularly those who traveled from Vanua Levu. Additionally, several team members have been raised by single parents, which serves as motivation for them to perform well in every match.
Despite having gained experience from playing with the Fijian Warriors and the Fiji Under-20 teams, Tabakaucoro remains humble, crediting much of his success to his faith. He emphasized that he must prioritize humility and put God first, as he believes that everything in his life is not solely about him. The coaching staff has encouraged the team to focus on winning the title rather than merely defending it this year.
In contrast, the management of Marist Brothers High School’s Under-18 team has opted to maintain a low profile and will not participate in any interviews leading up to the match.