The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has risen four spots in the FIFA rankings, now sitting at 146 and marking their highest position since 2011. Known as the Bula Boys, they recently achieved a victory over the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which helped them surpass their competitors in the standings.
The Fijian team has an opportunity to enhance their ranking further if they secure a win against Papua New Guinea next month. In the latest rankings, New Caledonia and Vanuatu also saw improvements, moving up five places to 155 and 157, respectively, following their World Cup qualifying triumphs.
Conversely, Papua New Guinea has experienced a decline, dropping to 171, which is the lowest ranking for the team since 2018. Rajesh Patel, the president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his happiness regarding the team’s new ranking, highlighting it as a reflection of the commitment and hard work from the players, coaching staff, and the broader football community in Fiji.
“This progress illustrates the dedication and strategic efforts we’ve invested over the years in advancing Fijian football,” Patel stated. He emphasized the importance of continuous player development, coaching, and infrastructure, noting that the foundation built is now yielding positive results.
Patel recognized that criticism can arise but stressed the importance of unity in the face of challenges. “Constructive criticism is critical and helps us improve,” he noted. “However, the path to success is often complex, and we must prepare for obstacles.”
The recent rise in FIFA rankings serves as an affirmation that Fiji football is progressing, and Patel urged critics to view this achievement as an encouraging sign of ongoing improvement. He reiterated the necessity of collective support in elevating Fijian football to new heights.
Patel affirmed the Fiji FA’s commitment to maintaining this upward momentum and addressing areas for improvement as part of their strategic plan. He also thanked the loyal supporters who have consistently backed the team.
Leave a comment