‘Be patient’
PASSIONATE GOLLINGS MAKES PLEA TO FANS
DESPITE facing growing criticism and calls for his removal from the public, Fiji Airways Fiji 7s coach Ben Gollings says he remains steadfast in his commitment to his coaching duties.
Gollings, who took over the coaching job in January 2022, has gone 18 tournaments without a title win and is racing against time to put together a team worthy of retaining the Olympic Games gold medal which Fiji won back-to-back in Rio and Tokyo.
The side is now in Los Angeles for the next leg of the HSBC SVNS Series and is in a tough pool with Great Britain, Canada and France.
Facing mounting criticism and heightened fan expectations, Gollings called for patience, assuring them that the coaching staff and players are working diligently to secure victorires.
“I’m not going to live on the past; I’m focused on the present and the future. We have a plan; we know where we’re going. So be patient for us. We appreciate all the positivity and all the support given,” Gollings said.
The former England 7s captain refrained from dwelling on negativity and affirmed his commitment to the development plan, with the Olympics as a significant target.
“We know that the Olympics is huge this year and with the time available and all the rest of it. We’re working hard with that and for me as the coach, I’m not unhappy with where we’re at.
“Obviously, we want to be winning, and I’m competitive in my own that (I) want to win. That’s a process and it’s been a development as there’s been quite a bit of transition with the squad,” Gollings said.
Fiji will face Great Britain in its opening match on Saturday at 2.54pm.
On Sunday, the side will play Canada at 5.30am and France at 10.22am before the men’s cup quarterfinals begins at 3.26pm.