Soccer’s potential

THE issue of our soccer ranking has come up again. This time we are made aware that it’s our geographical location that hinders our international ranking.

That’s according to Fiji Football Association chief executive Mohammed Yusuf who insists attending such matches is a major challenge. While acknowledging the logistical and financial challenges of island life, we must delve deeper to find solutions and elevate our soccer future. In the latest FIFA world rankings, we are sitting on 168.

Of all the teams around us in this region, Papua New Guinea are on 165, New Caledonia are on 159, the Solomon Islands are on 131, and New Zealand are on 103. Behind us, Vanuatu are 170.

In saying that, we need a strategic calendar, not just a handful of games, to ensure consistent competition and ranking points.

The Fiji FA has set its eyes on a handful of FIFA-ranked matches this year.

Fiji hopes to play New Caledonia, the Solomons and Tahiti in March.

Fiji will also be attending the OFC Nations Cup which will feature the top eight teams in the Pacific.

The Fiji men’s team’s best ranking was 94 in July 1994. The lowest ranking was in 2015 at 199.

So now that we are aware of our shortcomings, we look up to the powers that be to go one up and give us hope for more internationals.

The Fiji FA must give players something to play for. And just playing in local tournaments isn’t the way to go.

Right now, with the lack of consistent internationals, the best of our players are left to languish at district level, with many eventually retiring at that level, having never represented their country at all.

We look up to the powers that be to organise more internationals against our neighbours as a starting point. Get those tests against the Solomons, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

The Drua’s inclusion in Super Rugby Pacific offers a blueprint. Can we emulate this success in soccer? Advocating

for inclusion in regional leagues like Australia’s A-League or New Zealand’s top competition could provide invaluable exposure and competition for our best players.

We need a robust and sustainable local league system that incentivizes player growth and attracts regional talent. Maybe investing in facilities, coaching, and youth development will create a strong foundation for future internationals.

The current system, where promising players languish at district level, is a talent drain we can’t afford. We need a clear pathway – from local clubs to national colours – to boost player ambition and nurture their skills.

We need the Government, sponsors, and the wider community to rally behind Fijian soccer. Creating a conducive environment that attracts investment, facilitates travel, and fosters a culture of football excellence is crucial.

Our players need consistent top level games. They need exposure against top level players. They need to test themselves regularly.

The powers that be have their work cut out! Afterall soccer is a beautiful game!