Tennis Fiji will be sending an experienced side to the Pacific Games in the Solomon Island next month, where head coach William O’Connell is expecting a good outing from his squad.
“What’s nice is that all our squad members have represented Fiji in international competitions and many of us have represented Fiji on multiple occasions, so we are very comfortable around one another,” he said.
His 13-member side also had a good outing at the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games last year, and he is expecting his side to improve their performance at the games in the Solomon’s next month.
“Last year in Saipan we had our most successful Games ever (PMG & PG) taking 5 medals (3 silver and 2 bronze).
“While our team to this year’s games is slightly different, and we are preparing for the competition to be slightly stiffer, we want to back up and improve upon our performance last year.”
O’Connell, who is also competing at the games, is currently out of the country but has been up to date with his players’ training schedules for the past few months.
“Training is going well. “I am the only player this time around based outside of Fiji so there are many opportunities for the squad to get good practices in together and build strong interpersonal bonds.
“The younger players have been training continuously, while the adults on our team have ramped up their training around their other commitments over the course of this year.”
“Everyone is excited to see what the Solomon Islands has in store for us.
“The Pacific tennis community is very closely knit and so we look forward to catching up and competing against our island brothers and sisters.”
