Fiji’s U-16 head coach Marika Rodu provided commentary on his team’s journey at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, where they secured a fifth-place finish. 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 our mistakes in the three pool games. The match against the Solomon Islands could have gone either way, but the girls were eager to finish strong, and I appreciate their effort,” the coach stated.
He emphasized the valuable learning experiences the tournament offered, particularly highlighting Samoa’s impressive performance. “There was a lot for the girls to learn from this competition. Samoa has set a benchmark, and their ball movement and defensive strategies have been remarkable,” he noted.
Rodu also expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. “I thank the fans for all their efforts. I know some traveled from far in the west, and I believe the girls truly valued their presence,” he added.