Discipline and leadership are the key focuses for the Queen Victoria School Under-18 team as they prepare to defend their Vodafone Deans Trophy against Marist Brothers High School in the quarterfinals tomorrow at Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium.
Captain Anare Tabakaucoro shared his thoughts in an interview, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “We had a normal preparation and we know that Marist is a good team,” he stated, highlighting their respect for the opposition despite their third-place finish in the zone competition.
Tabakaucoro expressed the difficulty he faced integrating into the current QVS team as a newcomer, emphasizing the importance of sharing insights from the previous team’s strategies for success. “I did not play with this team last year, but I usually advise my team-mates of what the previous team did in terms of planning, preparation and execution. That made us win the Deans Trophy,” he noted.
The captain affirmed the aim to play for each other, as well as for their families, friends, and alumni. He described the commitment of the players in honoring their parents’ sacrifices, stating that many traveled from Vanua Levu and had not seen their families in a long time. “A lot of my team members were raised by single parents, so it has been our motivation to perform well in every game that we play in,” he added.
Despite gaining experience with the Fijian Warriors and the Fiji Under-20 teams, Tabakaucoro maintains a humble attitude. “I always tell myself to be humble and put God first because everything that happens in my life is not about me, it’s all about God,” he explained. He reiterated the coaching staff’s advice to approach this year’s competition not as defending champions, but with the determination to win.
In contrast, the Marist Brothers High School U18 team has chosen to maintain a low profile and will not be participating in interviews ahead of the match.