Junior Bula Boys head coach Dhirend Chand is optimistic that Fiji’s revitalized football ties with Australia will pave the way for enhanced international opportunities, particularly following the recent visit of the Australia CommBank Joeys. This marked the return of the Australian youth team after a 20-year hiatus, a development that Chand has hailed as a significant milestone in Fijian football.
Chand expressed enthusiasm about the potential of this renewed collaboration, noting that the revival of fixtures with Australia could create a solid foundation for more games in the future. He emphasized the importance of building a relationship characterized by regular matches across various age groups, suggesting that engagement could extend to Under-16, Under-17, and Under-20 teams.
The coach believes that regular fixtures will not only strengthen the bond between the two nations but also serve as crucial preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. “Before moving into World Cup qualifiers, having friendly matches among ourselves would be great for development,” he stated. He underscored that the current landscape is ideal for fostering more international engagement, especially in light of the growing professionalism within Fiji’s domestic football leagues.
Chand expressed his pride in Fiji hosting the Australian side after such a lengthy absence, reflecting on this moment as a testament to the progress of Fijian football. He emphasized that hosting these matches is not only a source of national pride but also vital for player development, providing invaluable experience and exposure.
As the Junior Bula Boys utilized the match against the CommBank Joeys as a significant learning opportunity, the future looks promising for Fiji’s football scene. The hope is that this initiative will lead to more international fixtures, ultimately enriching the footballing experience for Fijian players and setting a strong trajectory for the nation’s football aspirations.
Leave a comment