Prasad seals deal with German club
The new Vodafone Fijian football coach, Flemming Serristslev, has vowed to make Fiji a dominant force in the region. The goal is vague with no specific targets but speaks to a number of fans who believe Fiji has the potential to be much more competitive in Oceania.
His predecessor, Christophe Gamel, currently interim head coach of Belgian club KSV Roeselare, had similar ambitions but ultimately failed to measure up to the task.
But there was some optimism at Serristslev’s arrival given his experience with the Papua New Guinea national side where he spent three years.
The Danish coach will take charge of the national men’s, women’s and youth teams.
The 72-year-old has signed a threeyear deal with the Fiji Football Association, which gives him time to implement his own philosophy.
Part of that will be putting in place systems and processes that create a culture of high performance and help identify top talent from youth, club and district level. To be the best in the region will mean regularly beating New Zealand, a country with more resources, better infrastructure and top sporting expertise.
Serristslev’s first assignment will be with the 163-ranked men’s team
Fiji national football defender Nicholas Prasad has signed a one year deal with German club Bischofswerdaer FV 08
Residing in Canada, the 24-year old will make his club debut in the coming weeks.
Prasad played for FC Tulsa last season, where he had been a standout.
FC Tulsa is an American professional football team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma which competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of the American football pyramid.
He had been an unrestricted free agent following his Fiji team hiatus.
“I signed at the beginning of the in two friendly matches against Tahiti and Solomon Islands as part of a FIFA Tri-nations series here next month.
Both teams are ranked higher than Fiji and the result will in some ways be a reflection of our standing.
Expectations
While one month is too short a time to judge a new coach as major changes do not happen overnight, the fans will be expecting a positive performance.
It will be interesting to note Serristslev’s approach in the two games.
Does he open up and take risks against two teams known for year, I’m happy the club had confidence in my abilities, it’s rare in Germany especially for a player from Fiji and Canada,” he said. Nicholas said he had injured his ankle on individual training before his new signing and had to rest but now he is healthy and will report to full team training on Monday, next week.
“I will go through the medical and fitness test next week and hope I get all clear to make the debut, I’m looking forward to the competition”.
Nicholas said he would love to represent Fiji again if he is invited by the new head coach, Flemming Mark Serritslev.
“It is always an honor to represent Fiji, home away from home.” their attacking prowess; or will he choose the safer option and play a more cautious game?
Coaches often talk about finding the balance between attack and defence.
Frenchman Gamel preferred to play with an extra body in midfield – usually Nadi defender Ame Votoniu – and two central defenders at the back.
His side was happy to concede possession, absorb attacks then hit teams on the break with pressure on striker Roy Krishna to nick a goal or two.
The fullbacks were usually asked to stay back and the wingers tucked in so as to flood the midfield and make the field more compact.