Discipline, fitness key to Digicel Cup campaign, says Andiki

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen coach Andrew Andiki has hailed his players’ fitness and discipline as the key to the semifinalists’ Digicel Cup campaign this season.
Andiki told The National after their 13-4 win over the Rabaul Gurias in the elimination finals last weekend demonstrated that his side had grown through adversity.
“When we did our first selection trials, our preparations weren’t good,” he said. “We got off to a slow start this season and we weren’t sure we would make the finals.
“There wasn’t any bond and team culture at the start of the season. (So) we suffered consecutive losses and put in poor performances.
“But we were able to regroup and build that missing link over the course of the season. This team is now built on discipline, and mental and physical strength.
“One good thing about our team is the level of patience the players have in every game. They don’t rush things. They are able compete mentally.” The 2014 premiership winning coach is confident that the energy and intensity of his players will peak as they look to go deeper into the finals.
“We are taking every game as a grand final,” Andiki said. “We are here to prove something. We are not only playing for Hela but for the team and ourselves as individuals.”