Tonga Mataliki Coach Kilifi Uele has expressed his concerns about the training conditions at Bidesi Park, designated for his team ahead of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup. During a recent press conference at the Fiji Football headquarters in Vatuwaqa, attended by coaches and captains from Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, Uele voiced his disappointment regarding the field’s unsatisfactory state. He emphasized that player safety is paramount for any team during preparation, and all coaches likely share this concern as they strive for optimal training environments.
“I just have to be honest in what I’m looking at the whole of our organization of how we prepare the team to be very competitive in this tournament. Due to respect, I was humble enough to say I appreciate everything that you do and good luck for the rest of the tournament,” Uele stated.
The Fiji FA’s CEO, Mohammad Yusuf, addressed the situation, explaining that the responsibility for the training field’s condition lies with the Fiji Sports Council to ensure proper ground management. The Tongan team had originally been assigned to Buckhurst Park but was relocated to Bidesi Park, which has been reported to have poor conditions.
Following Uele’s feedback, the Fiji FA took swift action, with officials promptly visiting Bidesi Park to assess the situation. Yusuf also clarified that the association had successfully reallocated training sessions to Ratu Cakabou Park in Nausori, showcasing their commitment to providing suitable facilities for all participating teams.
The OFC Women’s Nations Cup is anticipated to bring an economic boost of approximately $1.7 million to Fiji. Other training venues include PTC ground in Nasese and Buckhurst Park in Suva, creating an array of options for teams as they prepare for the competition.
Despite the challenges faced, Uele’s candid expression of his concerns underlines the importance of communication in sports governance. This situation highlights the need for improved collaboration among different sporting federations, which can ultimately benefit athletes and enhance the sporting culture in Fiji as the tournament approaches.
By ensuring a supportive environment, all organizations involved can make strides towards creating a vibrant future in sports, enabling athletes from various nations to compete at their best.
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