Fiji’s U-16 women’s team, under head coach Marika Rodu, reflected on their performance 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 determination and team spirit throughout the tournament.
“I know we were out of the competition already, but that did not dampen our spirits. I think we picked up the mistakes from the three pool games. The match against the Solomon Islands could have gone either way, but the girls really wanted to end the competition on a high note, and I would like to thank them for their effort,” said Rodu.
He highlighted the valuable lessons learned during the tournament, particularly being inspired by Samoa’s performance. “There was a lot of learning for the girls from this competition. Samoa has set a benchmark, and what they have done has been marvelous in terms of how they move the ball and their defensive work.”
Rodu also expressed gratitude to the fans, acknowledging their support. “I thank the fans for all their efforts; I know they traveled from afar, and I believe the girls really enjoyed their presence,” he stated.