'Editorial': Our Squad to the Olympics
"Four players were dropped last week and another five are expected to be dropped next week, however, I believe these boys can do it," Tuwai said.
Monday 24 June 2024 | 11:17
The next few days will be tough for the Fiji Airways Fiji men's rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau, when he decides on his final 13-member squad to the Paris Olympic Games in France.
The Olympic Games is from July 26 to August 11.
Fiji, as a two-time Olympic Games gold medal winners the onus will be Kolinisau and his assistant coaches to select the strong possible side available.
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The streamlining process has already started.
This was revealed by two-time Olympic gold medallist Jerry Tuwai, last Friday.
"Four players were dropped last week and another five are expected to be dropped next week, however, I believe these boys can do it," Tuwai said.
This process can be cruel at times especially when it comes to informing the players that they have not made the cut. There are players who are going to accept the coach's decision and move on but on the other hand there are others who may feel otherwise.
That should be expected and it's human nature.
However, everyone must understand that whatever decision from Kolinisau, in bringing down the number of players to 13 should be accepted and supported.
Although, losefo Masi, Selestina Ravutaumada and France-based Josua Raisuqe have joined the squad still no one is guaranteed a spot to the Olympics.
The focus is for Fiji to win the Olympic Games gold medal for the third time in a row. Although, we've not won any of the 20 past tournaments of the HSBC SVNS, does not mean we're out of the Olympic Games gold medal contention.
The 39-year-old Kolinisau with coaching director Gareth Baber and Tuwai at his side know what it's like to be there and what it takes to win the gold medal again.
Whoever, Kolinisau has named in our final 13-member squad this week, let's come together and back our team all the way to Paris
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
