Marika Rodu has been appointed as the head coach of the Fiji under-16 girls football team, marking a significant step in his coaching career following an impactful playing tenure from 1998 to 2013. Recently, Rodu shared his experiences and enthusiasm for football while speaking with The Fiji Times at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva. He reminisced about his successful stint with the Rewa team, where he helped secure back-to-back titles in the Battle of the Giants from 2003 to 2004, an achievement that quenched his thirst for victory after previously winning the 2001 Inter-District Championship.
Rodu’s journey in football began in his childhood, and his ascent from a successful player to a coaching role illustrates a common path among former athletes in Fiji. His story is part of The Fiji Times’ SOKA FILE series, which is building excitement leading up to the 2025 Extra Battle of the Giants, an upcoming tournament set to commence this Friday at Subrail Park in Labasa.
The narrative of Marika Rodu echoes the experiences of other football players like Pita Rabo, who has also reflected on his journey and the importance of mentorship and tradition in Fijian football. Similar to Rodu, Rabo has shared insights about the resilience and dedication required in sports, advocating for the development of young athletes in the community.
As Fijian football continues to flourish, new coaching appointments like Rodu’s bring hope for progress and positive change, fostering an environment where young players can thrive and carry the torch for future generations. The appeal of sports as a unifying force in the community remains strong, promising a bright future for Fiji’s football landscape as it embraces both its storied past and the potential ahead.
Leave a comment