Former Fiji men’s 7s skipper Isake Katonibau is well aware of the challenges that come with competing in the Cape Town 7s tournament, a venue known for its intensity and high stakes. As the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team prepares for their second stop in the HSBC SVNS circuit this weekend, Katonibau emphasizes the importance of mental readiness and effective recovery for players.
“Cape Town is going to be difficult; now it’s just about getting the recovery and it’s all mental,” he stated in an interview. Katonibau noted that over the years, it’s become clear that teams excelling in recovery tend to perform better mentally and physically during the tournament.
This weekend’s performance will reflect the team’s adjustments and strategies discussed by head coach Osea Kolinisau following their recent efforts in Dubai. As Katonibau pointed out, the focus on mental preparedness and recovery will be crucial for success.
Fiji holds a storied history in the Cape Town 7s, having been the inaugural winners in the 1999/2000 season and last capturing the title in 2018/19 under Gareth Baber’s leadership, where they triumphed over the United States with a score of 29-15. In more recent seasons, specifically 2023/24 and 2024/25, Fiji left South Africa with plate honors.
The Fiji 7s team will kick off their campaign against defending champions South Africa on Saturday at 10:44 PM. They will continue with two more matches against Great Britain and New Zealand, slated for Sunday, at 1:38 AM and 5:19 AM respectively. As they embark on this competitive journey, hopes are high that the team’s preparation will lead to a successful outing in Cape Town.