Discipline and leadership are the main focuses 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, Suva. Captain Anare Tabakaucoro shared his thoughts during an interview, acknowledging the strength of their opponents despite Marist finishing third in their zone competition.
“This preparation has been standard, and we respect Marist as a strong team,” he stated. Tabakaucoro, who is new to the QVS squad, mentioned the challenges of fitting in but emphasizes the importance of sharing insights from last year’s championship-winning team. “I did not play with them last year, but I draw from their planning, preparation, and execution, which led us to victory.”
He also stressed that the team plays not just for themselves but for their families, friends, and alumni. One of the key motivators for the players is the sacrifices made by their parents, particularly those who have traveled from far-off regions like Vanua Levu and may not see their families often. Many team members come from single-parent households, further fueling their determination to excel in every match.
Despite his experience with the Fijian Warriors and the Fiji Under-20 teams, Tabakaucoro remains humble, attributing his achievements to faith. “I remind myself to stay humble and prioritize God,” he said, adding that the coaching staff has encouraged the team to focus on winning the trophy rather than simply defending their title.
In contrast, the management of the Marist Brothers High School U18 team has chosen to maintain a low profile and will not participate in any interviews ahead of the match.