Stay Focused: Bobo Urges Our 7s Players
The Fijians side march into the Olympic Village in Tokyo, Japan, today, before their competition gets underway on July 26.
Thursday 22 July 2021 | 06:44
Team Fiji men's rugby sevens players and officials take time out in Oita, Japan, on July 19, 2021. Back (from left): Iosefo Masi, Napolioni Bolaca, Kitone Taliga, Brad Harris (assistant coach), Jone Niurua (manager), Meli Derenalagi, Kavekini Tabu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Gareth Baber (head coach), Kalione Nasoko,Jiuta Wainiqolo, Joseva Talacolo, Josua Vakurunabili, Naca Cawanibuka (strength and conditioning coach). Front (from left) Sireli Maqala, Jerry Tuwai (captain). They leave Oita today for the Olympic Village in Tokyo.
There is no excuse and no turning back, this was the message from a former national sevens star winger to the Team Fiji men's rugby sevens team.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Sireli Bobo has urged the Jerry Tuwai -captained side to play to their best and defend the Olympic Games gold medal.
"Play with pride," said the 2005 Sevens Rugby World Cup winner said.
The Fijians side march into the Olympic Village in Tokyo, Japan, today, before their competition gets underway on July 26.
Bobo said it is crucial for the players to stay focused and not to be distracted.
"They have worked hard to get to the Olympics," Bobo said.
"There is no excuse to become second best at the Olympics because they have prepared very well. I watched them play together after a long while in Australia and they did not disappoint. This is because every player came out with a mission to impress coach Gareth Baber.
"I urge the boys to turn-up on game day with a 100 per cent attitude and a positive mindset.
"Focus on the job ahead, if it means having breakfast, lunch, dinner or relaxing around the hotel please remember the mission you are set out to do.
"Your mindset should always be positive all the time that we can, and we will do it. There is no time to relax."
Bobo reminded the players that head coach Baber and the rest of the staff have done their job and the onus is now on them to deliver.
"Now we are a few days away from our first game against Japan in the Olympic Games. Like the hosts Japan, Great Britain, Canada, and any other team in the competition, they'll be be aiming to defeat Fiji."
''After our last outing we set a goal to defend our gold medal and they should be ready to do just that."
Bobo reiterated that a good defense would provide the win heading into the competition, but they must also keep their discipline.
"History cannot lie, for any Fijian side our attack is deadly because anyone can attack. We need to lift and improve our defense to another level if we want to retain the gold medal.
"Now is the time for the senior players to step up and guide the team. They will have to learn to play as a team and fight for each other for 14 minutes."
Bobo said Baber has made his selection and we should believe in the players we have now.
"I want to wish coach Baber and the boys all the best in the Olympic Games, and may God bless them in their campaign to win gold again," he added.
