Fiji’s Under-16 football coach, Sunil Kumar, views their upcoming match against New Zealand in the OFC U16 Championship final as a challenging endeavor. Scheduled to take place on Sunday in Pape’ete, Tahiti, Kumar acknowledges that New Zealand will enter the match as the favorites but remains optimistic about his team’s chances for an upset.
“When we came to this tournament, we expressed our desire to create history,” Kumar stated. “Fiji has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but we have taken significant steps. Our goal is to win this championship.”
Kumar emphasized the opportunity that lies ahead, advocating for his players to approach the match with confidence and determination. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us and the boys. We aim to give our best performance.”
On the other hand, New Zealand, coached by Martin Bullock, has established themselves as strong contenders, having previously defeated Fiji 7-1 during group play. In four matches of the tournament, New Zealand has scored an impressive 28 goals and conceded only one.
Reflecting on their earlier encounter, Bullock said, “Having played against Fiji and won that match, we are rightfully seen as the favorites. We believe we played exceptionally well and will draw on our experiences from that game to prepare.”
Both teams are expected to strategize in anticipation of each other’s play styles, but Bullock reiterated the importance of focusing on their own game plan. “In any final, no matter the competition—be it club or international—you aspire to win. We are eager for the challenge ahead.”