Discipline and leadership are key focus areas for the Queen Victoria School Under-18 team as they prepare to defend their Vodafone Deans Trophy title against Marist Brothers High School in the quarterfinals at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva tomorrow.
In an interview, QVS U18 captain Anare Tabakaucoro emphasized the team’s respect for Marist, acknowledging their strong performance despite finishing third in their zone competition. Tabakaucoro, who is new to the squad, shared that he is adjusting to the team’s dynamics, having not played with them last year. He draws on the experiences and strategies from the previous winning team to guide his teammates in their preparations.
The captain highlighted that the team’s motivation comes from honoring their parents’ sacrifices, with many players having traveled long distances from places like Vanua Levu and some being raised by single parents. He stated that this dedication fuels their performance on the field.
Despite his experience with the Fijian Warriors and the Fiji Under-20 teams, Tabakaucoro remains humble, attributing his accomplishments to a higher power. He stated, “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.”
In contrast, the Marist Brothers High School U18 team has opted to maintain a low profile and has chosen not to conduct any interviews ahead of the match.