[Source: Fiji Football/Facebook]

The national football coach has emphasized the importance of maintaining mental fitness ahead of major tournaments.

This focus follows the recent conclusion of the Digicel Fiji FACT, in which many local players participated over the weekend.

Rob Sherman, the coach, states that the management already has a plan in place to ensure players are mentally prepared to perform their best.

“Being mentally prepared for tournaments is very important, we make sure that all players are mentally healthy and are good to feature for the team.”

Sherman also notes that most players feel overwhelmed and nervous at times.

However, the team will do everything they can to alleviate any nervousness and remove any triggers that might affect the players’ performances.

“You know some of these overseas players have influence over the local lads so they tend to keep motivating each other. Even though there are overseas players in the team doesn’t mean they will start, some of them won’t start but the bond this team has is better and positive.”

Meanwhile, the team will meet PNG this Sunday at 4 p.m. at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva in its opening pool match of the OFC Nations Cup.