‘So Far, So Good’
Our goal has never changed and that is to win the Skipper Cup Premiership competition-Ilaitia Tuisese Jnr
QAQA Naitasiri head coach, Ilaitia Tuisese Junior, is happy where the Highlanders are after seven rounds of the Skipper Cup competition.
Naitasiri is currently third with 22 points, two points behind Suva while Nadroga Stallions tops the table with 25 pts.
The second cluster of the Skipper Cup games will start this Saturday, where the hillmen will face one of the promising teams of 2020, Lautoka.
The Skipper Cup has grown to be tougher weeks go on with some underdogs team creating some upsets. “I think we didn’t do too bad. Looking at the make-up of our squad this season and the number of players we have put forward to play, a good mix of experienced and youth, so far so good,” Tuisese Jnr said.
“All teams are tough and we really have to work hard to get those results.
Video Analysis
“Most teams have access to video analysis and review so they would have watched our games and do a good preview prior to playing us. So every team comes with a different challenge week in week out.” Naitasiri picked a young side for the 2020 season with players as young as 19 years featuring for the senior team and Tuisese is hopeful that they will build as they move on.
The side have young Fijian Drua, Warriors and Latui players which include 20-year old Chris Minimbi, Anasa Qaranivalu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and 2019 Marist Brothers High School Deans player Vuate Karawalevu.
“Almost 80 per cent of the boys are playing in their first Skipper Cup comp, but this would only work well for us moving forward,” he said.
“The boys need to be more pa
tient in controlling possession so as to control the game and their decision-making process, but then I can’t ask for more as they are doing a great job turning up every week. “I just need to improve on the areas that I have mentioned and instill more discipline in the way we play and execute our game plan.
“Our goal has never changed and that is to win the Skipper Cup Premiership competition.”
The Highlanders look forward to a good game against Lautoka on Saturday.
“Lautoka is a well-coached side which is on the rise since the first round and I guess it would be another week.”
Naitasiri beat Lautoka 29-11 in the first round at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori. bruising encounter this