Former reps need to coach Nadi

Asuad Ali

ANadi footballer whose spectacular game winning goal won the district the 1986 Battle of the Giants championship says the former footballers’ involvement is needed to take the district forward. Praveen Singh was the hero of the final against Labasa at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

Singh’s 35-yard scorcher for a 1-0 victory sent jam-packed home fans on a celebration frenzy.

The Sydney, Australia, resident and schoolteacher said it was worrying that the district has only won once after the 1986 win, that is in 1996 and it has been 24 long years the district’s starved a podium run began.

Nadi beat Tavua 3-1 at Govind Park for the 96’ championship.

“24 years long years the district hasn’t won the B.O.G”, he said. He said while the district produces quality players, he is saddened the coaches hired to do the job are incompetent for the task.

Singh is all for the former district footballers’ to take up coaching, added they have the district at heart and would do it for free. “Former players have better understanding of the game, they would definitely provide better coaching, produce the results and

“All the district has to do is ask.” Singh said the whole coaching accreditation requirements have only made it hard for non-certified coaches, yet knowledgeable to become district coaches in the country.

He added the Fiji Football Association should consider giving Level One and Level Two coaching certificates to former district and national footballers as they have already played under great coaches and gained valuable coaching lessons.

“Former footballers, professionals world over get automatic Level One and Two certificates, Fiji should do the same. That way former footballers will be left to write the final Level Three exam at their time, and be able to coach the teams.

“If everything else is said to be inline with FIFA rules, why can’t this be.”

The quadruple district, Tailevu/

Naitasiri, Nasinu, Nadroga and

Nadi footballer said Rewa, Ba and

Suva coaches are proof of what former footballers can do to take their teams to another level in the sport”. “Marika Rodu, Ronil Kumar and Babs Khan are all former footballers and their teams impressed during the B.O.G, Rodu’s side won the tournament”.

“Nadi needs former footballers to take the district to the next level, win tournaments and hearts of the fans.”

Photo: Fiji FA Media Inoke Turagalailai in control against Kavaia Rawaqa (left) and Roy Krishna (right) during the Vodafone national squad members training Fiji FA Academy Ground in Ba on August 25, 2020

Singh rides high on the shoulders of Nadi midfielder Aiyub Bai during the victory lap in 1986

Parveen Singh, Nadi’s 1986 B.O.G, goal-scoring hero.