The national under-20 soccer team will be taking on Germany in its first outing at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Christchurch.
Critics and fans have had their fair share of say about the team’s preparations. With the limited resources that FFA had, it was able to assemble the team and ensured the team took a tour of Myanmar and then play teams such as Mexico, Columbia and Hungary.
The team needs our support and prayers.
Monday June 1 will be a historic day for FFA.
It will be the first time that any Fijian team will be playing in a soccer World Cup.
Playing in chilly conditions will not be easy for the boys but I am confident that they will fight tooth and nail against their highly-fancied opponents.
Fans will be glued to FBC TV which will bring the game live to our doorsteps.
Whatever the result is, I am urging all the soccer loving fans to be with the team.
I must thank the sponsors for the wonderful support.
The team management, including Frank Farina, and the two soccer gurus, master Ravinesh Kumar and master Shalen Lal, are thanked for looking after the team.
I must also acknowledge the sacrifice made by the players and their families.
To the parents of these soccer players, I am proud that you have nurtured such brilliant ambassadors who are representing our beloved Fiji in an international event of such a magnitude.
Monday will be an emotional moment for many soccer lovers as our team will be playing against Germany.
I hope that the team will be tagged giant killers as they prepare to spring a few upsets. Win or lose, our support must remain intact.
I am urging all the fans in Fiji and abroad to wear white on Monday in support of our junior soccer stars who will fly our flag in New Zealand. Go Fiji under-20!
