Focus on local talents

INTERIM Lautoka Football Association president Abdul Kaiyum Rafiq would prioritise on the development of skilled homegrown talents in an effort to bring glory to the district.

Rafiq said his plans revolved around the importance of identifying local talents from the local club competitions and offered them an equal opportunity to represent the blues rather than relying on ‘imports’.

“We now have a youthful squad and I am confident they would bring glory to the district if nurtured and looked after well,” he said.

“The aim is to have 100 per cent home bred boys to wear the blue jersey so that the local boys are aware they have an opportunity to further their football career.”

The business mogul said he would work in tandem with the coaching staff at LFA and direct them to keep tabs on the local club football competitions.

“I would be asking the head coach to attend all the local football club games when it resumes in a couple of months.

“He will also look after the youth and women’s teams and the aim is to steer LFA to dizzying heights it enjoyed some time back.

“Lautoka has an abundance of talents and the current board will make every effort in identifying, moulding and looking after their welfare at the same time.

“So, it’s about placing greater emphasis on the club competitions and I am a great fan of youth development.”

Rafiq said the intention was to assemble a powerful Lautoka football team.

He has called on the diehard blues fans to exercise patience and have faith in the new executives and continue to support the Lautoka football team.

Rafiq was appointed to act in the position after his name was endorsed by the top brass at Fiji Football Association recently.