Vanuatu Junior Tennis Team head coach, Cyril Jacobe, has high expectations for his players as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Pacific Oceania Championship in April.

The selection of nine players for the Vanuatu Junior Team was confirmed following the West Regional Championship held last week in Fiji. This competition serves as a crucial qualifier, identifying the top players in Oceania for the next level of international competition.

Jacobe, who led the team in Lautoka, Fiji, expressed satisfaction with their performance and emphasized that his main focus is now on the championship in April. He acknowledged the strong preparations of other participating nations, making the upcoming tournament highly competitive.

While Jacobe has set high expectations for his team, he also noted some challenges that need to be addressed as they continue their preparations.

“My expectations are very high. I still expect my players to compete for top positions, but we must also consider how they handle pressure. Sports are not just about technique, tactics, or physical ability; the mental aspect plays a crucial role. How a player handles pressure—whether they run away, panic, or even cry—affects their performance and confidence.

It is essential for me, or any coach in Oceania, to not only train them technically but also support them in a positive way, encourage them, and instill self-belief. In Melanesian nations, we do not praise our young athletes enough, and as a result, they sometimes lack confidence in their abilities. This is something we need to address culturally by ensuring they feel capable and supported.

At times, when we provide praise, players may feel embarrassed or misunderstand it due to cultural differences. This can create communication and trust issues between coaches and athletes. Some players struggle to trust their coaches or the system itself. As a coach, I do not want to see them feeling ashamed when we recognize their talents. Instead, we must celebrate and support our local talents in Vanuatu, helping them believe in themselves and their abilities.”

Despite these challenges, Jacobe commended his team for their outstanding performance in Fiji. He described them as one of the best teams, even though they did not have an Under-12 category for girls. Their remarkable efforts on the court made him a proud coach.

Photo Credits: Vanuatu Tennis Federation