Fiji men's hockey set for Samoa

Team Fiji men's hockey team has settled in well in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

They will take on Samoa today in their Sol2023 Pacific Games opening match.

Head coach Alsace Smith told SUNsports yesterday that he is expecting the experienced Samoan side to come out firing.

"It's going to be a tough one," Smith said.

"I believe they have a lot of experienced players. For us everyone has been training for the past few years so we are not going to take any game lightly.

"We are going to treat them with the same respect that they treat us and play to the best of our abilities."

There are four Pacific Games debutants in the Fiji squad. They are Edward Joseph Vatubua, Kelvin Ratubuli, Richard Sekiguchi and goalkeeper Darren Sawaki.

"We thought it will be like the West (of Fiji) with the heat but it's a different type of heat we have here," Smith said.

"We're thankful to the Lord for the gloomy weather with a bit of wind right now.

"We hope it stays this way for the rest of the week.

"The boys are adapting well; I'm very proud of them because hydration plays a big part.

"They are sticking to their hydration treatment and plan."

Smith indicated that the home side would also be tough to beat on their turf.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj