During the buildup to the 2025 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championships, IFAF has posed three questions to the head coaches of the men’s and women’s teams about to compete for continental glory.

New Zealand men’s team head coach Mychal Fabela and the New Zealand squad are looking to build on the success of their 2023 silver medal campaign as they enter the 2025 tournament. With a renewed identity, deep hunger to compete, and a process-driven mindset, the team is focused on one thing, executing each play with purpose and dominating each moment.

Coach Fabela grew up playing contact football in the United States after his dad put a ball in his hand at six years of age. He played quarterback for 13 seasons before moving into coaching, where he has continued to build his experience and philosophy around player development and execution.

He currently serves as a club coach and member of the Nelson American Football Club in the South Island of New Zealand. He also served as the quarterbacks coach and development head coach for the New Zealand national program, having been part of the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. His approach to coaching, centers on fundamentals, football intelligence, and consistency, helping athletes develop the habits and confidence needed to perform at their best on game day and in life.

What are the goals for your team in this tournament?

I believe we have an overall team goal as most do, however our focus is entirely on the process rather than the outcome. We emphasize execution, discipline, and consistency - winning one play at a time. If we commit to the details, maintain composure, and execute our assignments at a high level, we believe the results will follow. Our goal is to dominate each moment, stay connected as a team, and trust the work we’ve put in.

What will be the strengths of your team ,and which players should we watch for? Are there many changes from the 2023 team that won silver?

Our greatest strength is our cohesion and our commitment to executing the fundamentals consistently at a high level. This group is special and has the ability to play fast, smart, and together. While the team’s identity has evolved since the 2023 silver medal campaign, the fire and hunger to be the best remain exactly the same.

As far as standouts, our captain returns for his third consecutive campaign, and there are certainly individuals who could be singled out, however I’d encourage people to watch our entire roster. To achieve our goal, it’s going to take all twelve players working together. Every role, every rep, every play matters.

We’ve built a unit that’s deeply competitive, driven by preparation, and eager to prove themselves every snap. With a blend of returning experience, leadership and fresh energy, this team is ready to set a new standard.

What do you know about the other Oceania teams you will play, and what are the challenges of playing them twice?

We have great respect for every team competing in this tournament, for our pool; Australia reached the semifinal in 2023, was highly competitive in Finland last year and has been an active advocate to growing American Flag Football in their country and around the world and no doubt a team, with very good athletes.

American Samoa will no doubt bring their best every snap with talented players as well, however our main priority is internal, we are focused on how we prepare and how we execute. Playing an opponent twice presents its challenges; both teams have the opportunity to make adjustments, learn tendencies, and respond strategically. Other than the adjustments we’ll make following the first matchups, our approach won’t change: focus on our assignments, trust our system, and perform to our standard every single snap.