Fiji Football under-16 coach Sunil Kumar shares insights into their intense preparations and the team’s readiness for the OFC U16 Championship in Tahiti from July 28 to August 10.
Coach Kumar acknowledges the pressure the young players face but remains confident in their ability to manage it.
“It’s pressure time for the boys, and we know we have to handle this pressure,” he said.
“We’ve been doing two sessions on some days. The boys are going to school, so on the days we have two sessions, they train early in the morning before school and again in the afternoon,” Kumar said.
The team’s camaraderie is a significant factor in their preparation. Kumar stressed the strong team bonding in the camp.
“The boys are gelling in well and we have four overseas base players. It hasn’t been hard for the players to gel in and prepare. Everyone has come together very well.”
The team is set to travel to Tahiti on July 23, with 26 players currently in the squad.
Coach Kumar mentioned that three players will remain as non-travelling reserves until the final 23-player squad is announced on July 15.
Kumar highlighted the team’s focus areas.
“Our plan is to work on the style of play that we have and keep improving, so they know what to do as a team and as individual players. We’re working on our fitness and focusing on tactical aspects such as set pieces and the small details of player performance.”