It’s the final round of the ANZ Premiership regular season and we talk to Trident Homes Tactix captain Kimiora Poi about the must-win doubleheader they face this weekend. The Tactix meet the Pulse in Wellington on Saturday and the Mystics on Auckland on Monday and need maximum points in both matches to keep their campaign alive. We ask our captain how she overcomes nerves for big matches, what she does to prepare for the doubleheader and what she has enjoyed most since moving south in 2018 to join the Tactix.
The 2023 ANZ Premiership has been such a tight competition this season with two of the top three spots for the Finals Series still to be determined – why do you think it’s been so close this year in particular?
I feel like all six teams have recruited well – keeping a core group of players and adding a few players to their rosters.
How do you overcome nerves/pressure on game day?
I make sure I’m clear on what my job is and my role in team structures. I also watch video of the other team, and what I do well. During a game, connecting in with my team-mates and going back to my strengths helps with the pressure.
The Tactix had a tough doubleheader against the Pulse and Mystics two weeks ago where the results didn’t go your way – how do you prepare for two must-win matches against the same teams?
It’s about getting really clear on our game plan for the two different styles of play from the Pulse and Mystics. We also just need to go back to our strengths and what we know we are good at. Lastly, just having confidence, backing ourselves, and just fight!
You’ve been with the Tactix and in Christchurch now since 2018 – what have you enjoyed the most since making the shift south for netball?
I think what I’ve enjoyed the most are the people and the great environment the Tactix have. Christchurch itself is not too big and busy, but also not small with nothing going on, so I like that aspect as well.
What motivates you?
What motivates me is that I’m very competitive – so striving to always be better as an individual and as a team.
Do you have a pre-game routine and has that changed since taking on the captaincy role last year?
I do have a rough pre-game routine that I follow. Getting a nap in, getting in the recovery leg pumps, watching a bit of video off games, watching a series/movie to switch off, and eating similar food. But I’m pretty flexible and if something doesn’t go exactly to plan, I’ll just adjust. Not much has changed since taking on the captaincy except for planning Captain’s Run the night before and doing the coin toss.
You’ve made the shift to mostly wing attack this season – what have been the biggest challenges with the positional switch?
The biggest challenge would be having more leadership and voice down the attack end because the wing attack’s role is to run the centre passes and be the real dominant player. Coming from centre, who sort of fills the gaps, that’s been the biggest adjustment.
What’s your favourite music to listen to pre-game?
I don’t really have favourite music – I just listen to whatever the team listens to.
What’s your favourite pre-game food?
I love pasta!
- The Trident Homes Tactix meet the Pulse in Wellington at 7.15pm on Saturday, and the Mystics in Auckland at 7.35pm on Monday, both games live on Sky Sport
