Former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire has been announced as the chief guest for the Extra Supermarket Fiji FA Awards Night, which will take place on December 1 at the Crowne Plaza in Nadi. The Fiji Football Association’s CEO, Mohammed Yusuf, expressed enthusiasm about Wilkshire’s presence, highlighting the honor of having a FIFA Legend at this important event.
Wilkshire, whose international football achievements have greatly contributed to Australian football, is expected to inspire Fiji’s football community during his visit. In addition to the awards night, he will also attend the Flick Hygiene Pacific Cup matches at Churchill Park in Lautoka and visit the Fiji Ba Academy, further emphasizing his commitment to nurturing upcoming talent.
This year’s Fiji FA Awards Night marks a return after a three-year hiatus and will honor the best in Fijian football by presenting 16 awards to recognize players, teams, officials, and contributors. Wilkshire’s successful career included playing for teams like Middlesbrough, Bristol City, FC Twente, Dinamo Moscow, Feyenoord, and Sydney FC, where he notably won the A-League title in the 2017-2018 season. He earned a total of 80 caps for the Socceroos, scoring 8 goals, and participated in two FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010), played on the 2015 AFC Asian Cup-winning team, and competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics.
After retiring from professional play, Wilkshire transitioned into coaching and remains a respected figure within Australian football, celebrated for his skills and leadership abilities.
This event is not only a celebration of Fijian football but also represents a unique opportunity for local players to interact with and learn from an accomplished player like Wilkshire, promising to inspire the next generation of football talent in Fiji.
In summary, the participation of Luke Wilkshire at the Fiji FA Awards Night is a significant highlight for both the event and the local football community, bringing hope and inspiration to aspiring players and celebrating achievements in Fijian football after a long break.
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