Naiteqe calls for change
FORMER Fiji sevens selector Sailosi Naiteqe has called for change after the Fiji Airways 7s team failed to win gold at the Vancouver 7s in Canada.
Naiteqe has even suggested the return of sevens maestro Waisale Serevi as head coach for the national team.
“With only five months left for Olympics, we still have time to get a coach with good record who can take Fiji back to defend the gold medal,” Naiteqe said.
“I surely recommend Waisale Serevi to be our Olympics coach and Osea Kolinisau our team manager.”
Naiteqe raised concerns about the treatment of players on and off the field, questioning the team management’s effectiveness and the level of fitness and mental toughness under the strength and conditioning coach.
He highlighted the need for a review of the selection process and the overall team management to address the team’s poor performance over the past 18 tournaments without a win.
“Questions go to the Fiji Rugby Union administrators, are the players treated well on and off the field, also the strength and conditioning coach, why is the level of fitness down?”
Naiteqe urged the Fiji Rugby Union administrators to act and make necessary changes to improve the team’s performance.
He emphasised the importance of having a coach with a strong coaching record and the ability to elevate the team’s skills and understanding of the game to compete in the international level.
The Fiji Airways men’s 7s side lost its 5th place playoff in the Vancouver 7s, going down to Ireland 24-19 in extra time.
The Fiji Airways Fijiana side also lost in 5th place playoff against USA 29-7.
Meanwhile, Argentina men’s side defeated New Zealand 36-12 in the cup final.
While New Zealand clinched the women’s title defeating France 35-19 in the final.