Fiji’s U-16 head coach Marika Rodu provided reflections on his team’s journey at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, where they secured fifth place. Although the team did not progress to the semi-finals, Rodu praised their resilience and determination.
“I know we were out of the competition already, but that did not dampen our spirits. We learned from the mistakes in the three pool games. The match against the Solomon Islands could have gone either way, but the girls were eager to conclude the tournament on a high note, and I would like to thank them for their effort,” stated Rodu.
He emphasized the valuable learning experiences the tournament offered. “There was a lot of learning for the girls in this competition. Samoa has set a benchmark with their excellent play, particularly in how they move the ball and their defensive strategies,” he noted.
Rodu also expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. “I thank the fans for all their efforts; I know they traveled from far, particularly from the west, and I believe the girls truly appreciated their presence,” he added.