The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has climbed four spots in the rankings to become the second highest ranked team in the Oceania Football Confederation, now sitting at 146. This marks their best ranking since 2011. Known as the Bula Boys, they recently secured a victory over the Solomon Islands in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, propelling them ahead in the standings.
Fiji has the opportunity to further improve their position if they achieve a win against Papua New Guinea next month. The latest rankings also saw New Caledonia and Vanuatu each rise five places, reaching ranks 155 and 157 respectively, following their wins in World Cup qualifying matches.
Conversely, Papua New Guinea has experienced a downward trend, slipping to 171, which is their lowest rank since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his happiness with the team’s new ranking, viewing it as recognition of the dedication and effort from players, coaching staff, and the entire football community in Fiji. “This progress reflects the dedication and strategic efforts we have invested over the years to elevate Fijian football,” he stated.
Patel highlighted the importance of player development, coaching, and infrastructure as foundational for their success. He acknowledged that while criticism is part of the process, unity is essential to overcome challenges. “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,” he added.
Patel encouraged critics to see the new ranking as a positive sign of Fiji’s advancement, emphasizing that the journey to elevate football standards requires collective support. He reiterated the Fiji FA’s commitment to leveraging this momentum and addressing any areas that need improvement as part of their strategic plan. Patel also expressed gratitude to the loyal supporters who have consistently backed the team.
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