Tough challenge lies ahead for the Fiji Hockey men’s team as they gear up for the highly anticipated Oceania Pacific Cup next month.
Just days before the competition kicks off, the team is preparing to face stiff competition from eight teams in the men’s category.
Teams such as the Fiji national team, Fiji Warriors, New Zealand Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Solomons, and Vanuatu, will be participating.
Coach Shaun Corrie is pleased to field two men’s teams, which will provide more players with the opportunity to test their skills in a more competitive environment.
“The competition is expected to be intense, particularly with the NZ Fiji team boasting players from the New Zealand National Selection Squads, including notable names like Zander Fraser, Aidan Fraser, Rocco, and NZ-based Fiji rep Khelvin Ratubuli,” said Corrie.
“Fast-paced Solomons will also be hard to beat, given the introduction of their High-Performance Unit Institute. Tonga and Samoa usually have access to their players in Australia and NZ, which makes them unpredictable.
“Vanuatu, which has the hockey5s facility and PNG, which also has an artificial turf, are also teams to watch given their flair.
“All teams are coming to win, and it’s not going to be easy.”
The full squad is yet to come together after selection, as players from the West await leave from work to join the rest of the team in Suva, where the turf is based.
However, training is ongoing in Suva, as well as in the West with HPU coaches.
The team is optimistic about having the full squad in Suva by this weekend, giving them just two weeks to prepare together.
“Despite the tight timeline, the focus remains on accomplishing daily tasks and fine-tuning fitness, team combinations, and defensive and offensive strategies.”
“Thankful to our Fiji Hockey Federation sponsors for getting us this far including Fiji Sports Commission, Fiji Sports Council, Motibhai, JR White, Asco Motors, Vodafone, Digicel, Shipping Services, Virtual Flex, BSP Life, and all our other sponsors and supporters, we are truly thankful.”
The Pacific Cup will be held at the National Hockey turf in Laucala Bay from December 9-12.
