The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has made significant progress in the world rankings, rising four spots to 146, making them the second highest-ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation. This ranking marks their best position since 2011.
Known as the Bula Boys, Fiji surged past the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, contributing to this advancement in the rankings. They have an opportunity to further improve their standings by achieving a victory over Papua New Guinea next month.
In the latest rankings, New Caledonia and Vanuatu also saw positive movements, each climbing five positions to 155 and 157, respectively, following their recent wins in World Cup qualifying matches. Conversely, Papua New Guinea has experienced a decline, dropping to 171, its lowest ranking since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his excitement over the improved ranking, describing it as a reflection of the hard work and dedication exhibited by the players, coaching staff, and the broader football community in Fiji.
Patel emphasized that this progress showcases the commitment to player development, coaching, and infrastructure, laying a strong foundation for future growth. He acknowledged that while criticism is a natural part of the journey, unity is essential for success.
He stated, “Constructive criticism is important and helps us reflect and improve, but we must also recognize that the path to success is not always straightforward, and challenges will arise. Our recent climb in the FIFA rankings is a clear sign that we are on the right track, and it should inspire belief in our vision for the future.”
Patel encouraged critics to see the new ranking as a positive sign of Fiji’s progress and reiterated the importance of collective support in the quest to reach the highest levels of football. He assured that the Fiji FA is committed to building on this momentum and addressing any areas that require improvement as part of its strategy to elevate the standards of football in the country. He also expressed gratitude to the loyal supporters who have consistently backed the team.
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