Discipline and leadership will be key focuses for the defending Vodafone Deans Trophy champions, Queen Victoria School Under-18 team, as they prepare to face Marist Brothers High School in the quarterfinal match at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva tomorrow.
QVS U18 captain Anare Tabakaucoro shared insights during an interview, expressing respect for their opponents despite Marist finishing third in their zone competition. “We had a normal preparation and we know that Marist is a good team,” he stated.
Tabakaucoro, who is new to the QVS team this year, mentioned the challenges he faced in adapting to the squad but emphasized the importance of learning from past strategies that led to their previous success. “I did not play with this team last year, but I usually advise my teammates of what the previous team did in terms of planning, preparation, and execution.”
The captain highlighted the motivation behind their performance, stating, “We will play for each other again, for our family, friends, and the old boys this year.” He noted that the players honor their parents’ sacrifices, particularly those who traveled long distances from places like Vanua Levu and have not seen their families for extended periods. “A lot of my team members were raised by single parents, so it has been our motivation to perform well in every game.”
Despite his experiences with the Fijian Warriors and the Fiji Under-20 teams, Tabakaucoro remains humble. “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 remarked. He added that the coaching staff has encouraged them to focus on winning the title rather than merely defending it.
In contrast, the manager of the MBHS U18 team indicated their strategy of maintaining a low profile by opting not to participate in interviews leading up to the match.