Former national and Labasa goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau will Captain the Digicel National Beach Soccer team for the OFC Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Tahiti next week.
Tamanisau, while thanking the coach and team management for the opportunity, said he is well aware of the challenge that is put forward to him.
“I thank the coaches and management for having the faith in me to lead the team,” Tamanisau said in a video interview with Fiji FA.
“Playing beach soccer is a challenge, especially playing in the sand.”
“It has different tack-ticks in how you play, for example, how you deliver the ball and pass.”
Tamanisau, who is also a Police Inspector by profession, said they have a good caliber of players who can help Fiji win the tournament.
“I’m glad that we have a coach that has blended the players in and also put up a strategy for us to use in our matches.”
“Since this is the first time for most of us playing beach soccer, it’ll be a good time to go on the national stage. We are not going there to make numbers but make a mark and show that Fiji is also a powerhouse in beach soccer.”
“Looking at the caliber of players selected, we have a mixed set of boys and if we put together our axes and work together as a team, nothing is impossible.”
He also mentioned the players are ready to rally in Tahiti, a country that will be a first-time visit for most of the players on the team.
“It’s all in the mind and age is just a number. If the mind is willing, you maintain and keep your body in shape and also the passion is there, anything is achievable.”
“The morale in the camp is high and everybody is raring to go and enjoy the opportunity given to them while representing the country.”
“In Fiji, we are trying to promote fair play and also beach soccer. It’s a certain cord but it helps with health.”
Tamanisau added his message to the budding athletes is to keep working hard while promoting a drug-free sport.
“If you have an aim, try and achieve it. Put God first in everything you do and have discipline on and off the field while respecting in order to achieve your aim.”
“We are trying to promote a drug-free society and young kids listening in please say no to drugs and stop bullying.”
A 12-member squad departs Fiji on Friday to face the Solomon Islands, Tonga and host Tahiti.
