As the Digicel Fiji U23 team readies itself for the OFC Men’s Olympic Qualifiers in New Zealand, Head Coach Rob Sherman provides an insightful look into the team’s preparations, the challenges they’ve tackled, their strengths, and their aspirations.
The journey to the Olympic Qualifiers in New Zealand has been a carefully orchestrated one for the Digicel Fiji U23 men’s team. Their preparations started with an intensive three-week domestic camp at the Fiji Football Technical Academy in Ba. Drawing from a pool of over 30 players – a mix of local talent and international prospects – the coaching staff effectively assessed their capabilities, allowing them to shape a strong squad. After the initial phase, the group was streamlined to a dedicated squad of 28 players. The final selection of the 21 players bound for New Zealand tomorrow was the culmination of rigorous training and evaluation over the subsequent two weeks.
On the eve of their departure, Coach Sherman exudes confidence in his team’s readiness to tackle the competition. A comprehensive program has been devised, facilitating effective execution of their game strategies. While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, the team stands firm in their preparedness to confront them head-on.
“I am confident we have put together a thorough program and the boys can execute our game plans. It will be a challenge but we are up for that.”
The unique challenges presented by their opponents in the upcoming OFC Olympic Qualifiers led to a multifaceted training strategy. The initial week concentrated on mastering their distinct style of play. Weeks two and three were dedicated to intensive training against their second opponent, PNG. This strategic approach optimizes the brief gap between the first and second matches, enabling rapid adaptation to the diverse demands of each game.
The team’s ability to manage their travel arrangements while upholding their training regimen is commendable. Coach Sherman shared the meticulous periodization of training, encompassing specific load and recovery phases to ensure peak performance.
“We have periodised our training so that loading is very specific and players have an opportunity to reach a new peak and an opportunity to recover fully before we increase the demands. To that end we have spent this week helping the players recover fully from the B.O.G. tournament.”
Though the flight to New Zealand is relatively short, the team is well-equipped for climatic variations, with appropriate attire and meticulous player condition management to ensure optimal on-field performance.
Reflecting on the preparation phase, Coach Sherman recognizes the players’ technical prowess and physical potential. Gradual enhancements in communication and tactical comprehension have been observed during each training session, highlighting the team’s collective growth.
Mental preparedness stands as a cornerstone of the team’s approach. Daily training tailored to forthcoming challenges empowers players to anticipate and make informed decisions during matches. Emphasizing staying task-focused and forward-looking, rather than dwelling on past mistakes, underscores the team’s resilient mindset.
Coach Sherman acknowledges the intensity of the competition and the prowess of their rivals. He recognizes that facing two exceptional teams in their group necessitates extraordinary performances. Despite external expectations, Coach Sherman places paramount importance on the internal standards and ambitions of the team.
“It will be tough, we have two excellent teams in our group which will demand exceptional performances from us. There wil be high expectation on NZ to win the group and ultimately qualify while the expectation on us will be those we put on ourselves.”
The coach’s message to his players is clear – to embody the team’s values, bring pride to their nation, and leave their all on the field. The rallying cry “Tabu Soro” symbolizes the team’s determination as they head to New Zealand, pursuing their Olympic dreams.
The team departs for Auckland, New Zealand tomorrow.
