The Fiji men’s football team, coached by Rob Sherman, has made a significant leap in rankings, moving up four spots to be the second highest-ranked team from the Oceania Football Confederation at position 146. This marks the team’s highest ranking since 2011.
Known as the Bula Boys, the Fijian team recently secured a victory over the Solomon Islands during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which allowed them to surpass their rivals in the rankings.
Fiji has an opportunity to further improve its ranking with an upcoming match against Papua New Guinea next month.
In the latest rankings, New Caledonia and Vanuatu also enjoyed upward movement, climbing five places to rank 155 and 157 respectively, attributed to their wins in World Cup qualifying matches. Conversely, Papua New Guinea has experienced a decline, dropping to 171, which is its lowest rank since 2018.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji Football Association, expressed his excitement about the new ranking, viewing it as indicative of the dedication and effort put forth by the players, coaching staff, and the broader football community in Fiji.
“This progress reflects the dedication and strategic efforts we have invested over the years to elevate Fijian football,” Patel commented.
He highlighted the importance of long-term commitment to player development, coaching, and infrastructure, stating that the foundation for growth has been established and is now yielding results.
Acknowledging that criticism can be a natural part of the process, Patel stressed the importance of unity within the community.
“Constructive criticism is important and helps us reflect and improve,” he noted, adding that while the path to success may be complex, the recent climb in FIFA ranking is a clear indicator of progress and should bolster confidence in their future vision.
Patel encouraged critics to view the new ranking positively and reaffirmed that reaching the highest levels of football necessitates collective support. He assured that the Fiji FA is committed to building on this momentum and addressing any areas needing improvement as part of their strategic plans 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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