The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has achieved a significant milestone by climbing four positions to rank as the second highest team in the Oceania Football Confederation at 146. This ranking represents their best performance since 2011.
Known as the Bula Boys, Fiji secured their improved position by defeating the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which allowed them to surpass their rivals in the rankings.
The team has an opportunity to further enhance their standing in the next month when they face Papua New Guinea.
The latest rankings also saw New Caledonia and Vanuatu rise five places to 155 and 157, respectively, following victories in their World Cup qualifying matches.
On the other hand, Papua New Guinea has continued to fall in the rankings, now sitting at 171, marking their lowest rank since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his excitement over the ranking, describing it as a reflection of the hard work and commitment shown by the players, coaching staff, and the overall football community in Fiji.
Patel stated, “This progress reflects the dedication and strategic efforts we have invested over the years to elevate Fijian football.” He acknowledged the importance of player development, coaching, and infrastructure in creating a strong foundation for growth.
While recognizing that criticism is part of the journey, Patel called for unity within the community. He emphasized that constructive criticism can lead to improvement and that the road to success is often challenging.
“Our recent climb in the FIFA ranking is a clear sign that we are on the right track, and it should inspire belief in our vision for the future,” Patel said.
He encouraged critics to see the new ranking as a positive sign of Fiji’s advancement and underlined the necessity of collective support to achieve higher levels of football.
Patel reiterated the Fiji Football Association’s commitment to building on this momentum and addressing areas for improvement as part of their strategic plan to elevate football standards in the nation. He also expressed gratitude to the loyal supporters who have consistently backed the team.
Leave a comment