José Gerardo, a seasoned Portuguese coach, has been appointed as the new national futsal coach for Fiji, succeeding Jerry Sam. At 63 years old, Gerardo brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached teams in various countries including Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Kuwait. His commitment to developing futsal in Fiji will span over three years, as emphasized by Fiji Football Association CEO Mohammad Yusuf.
Gerardo has already begun to assess the local talent, having observed the southern futsal league and secondary school championships. He noted that there is significant potential among young players in Fiji but highlighted the need for foundational coaching. Gerardo stated, “I believe kids need to have good coaches to guide them,” underscoring the importance of knowledgeable mentors in nurturing young athletes.
He also expressed optimism about the existing technical team’s efforts, mentioning that he intends to collaborate with them to further develop the sport. Despite working in an international environment, Gerardo believes his coaching style transcends language barriers, which should facilitate effective communication with players as his English continues to improve.
This leadership transition comes at a dynamic time for Fiji’s futsal scene, following Jerry Sam’s impactful tenure that concluded due to personal commitments. Sam left a legacy that included fostering talents and navigating Fiji through regional competitions. His departure has opened doors for new ideas and innovations that Gerardo is expected to bring.
The future may be bright for Fijian futsal, with a commitment to thorough skill development and an inclusive approach to coaching that aims to nurture young talents. The supportive environment fostered by Fiji Football Association, coupled with Gerardo’s extensive experience, could lead to exciting advancements for the sport in the region.
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