Former Labasa Coach Ravneel Pratap has been appointed as the inaugural Head Coach of the newly established Fiji FA Elite Academy in Labasa. This academy aims to nurture young football talent and enhance the development of the sport in Fiji.
Pratap, who holds an OFC B-License, has experienced significant success with the Babasiga Lions, including a memorable victory in the Inter District Championship in Lautoka last year. His combination of football expertise and educational background as a teacher at Labasa Sangam College is expected to greatly benefit the academy.
Fiji FA Chief Executive, Mohammed Yusuf, expressed confidence in Pratap’s ability to develop young footballers. He emphasized that Pratap’s qualifications and leadership skills will be instrumental in shaping the future of Fiji’s national team, the Bula Boys. Pratap himself shared his excitement over this role, stating, “I’m honoured to be given this opportunity by Fiji FA. Developing young players and preparing them for their football career and national representation is a responsibility I take seriously.”
The establishment of the Fiji FA Elite Academy, which started last month under the guidance of Sunil Kumar, Head of Talent Development, is designed to provide structured training and education for 16 young players aged 14 to 16. This initiative reflects Fiji FA’s commitment to nurturing football talent across the nation, ensuring that the next generation of players has access to top-quality coaching and development opportunities.
The launch of this academy brings hope for the future of Fijian football, as it symbolizes a significant step towards building a robust foundation for the sport. With dedicated initiatives like this, young athletes have the opportunity to enhance their skills and potentially represent Fiji on larger platforms, contributing to the ongoing growth of football in the country.
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