TEAM Fiji men’s volleyball team is the new champions after defeating New Zealand three sets to one during the Oceania Volleyball Championship in New Caledonia on Saturday.
The Samoan team walked away with the bronze medal. In the semi-final, Fiji defeated host team New Caledonia to secure a spot in the final while New Zealand beat Samoa.
Coach Emori Bakewa was a happy men after the games on Saturday. Bakewa said the only way to prove themselves was by winning which they did. “Performance of our players against New Zealand was sensational,” he said.
“Before the finals in the changing room, I reminded the boys to look back on our preparation and the struggle; to look for training venues and transportation to and from during training.
“I always reminded them to think of their families and friends back home. “Our team bonding and devotion every day reminding the players what we are here for which motivated us in every game. “Now we have won our battle and this war is over.”
He added the players were in different form during the finals as they were playing like there was no tomorrow.
The women’s team had to settle for silver after they went down to New Zealand three sets to one.
Team captain Anaseini Seniloli during her interview thanked her players for the great performance against one of the top teams.
“Before we came in we had our game plan, to come strong against the host team New Caledonia in the semi-final and making it to the final,” she said.
“The girls really put up a fight right until the final whistle. New Caledonia defeated Samoa three sets to one for third place.
