The AFL academy manager for Fiji Loata Vakasausau expressed her pride in the girls’ and boys’ teams which played in the AFL under-16 Oceania Cup held last week at Albert Park in Suva.
“Despite this being their first time for the girl’s side to participate in the sport, they really did well,” Vakasausau said.
She emphasized the need for more experience and skill development for the team in order to compete with other Pacific Islands, who have been playing the sport for many years.
Vakasausau highlighted the importance of getting skilled coaches and experienced players to help the Fiji side improve.
She also expressed gratitude to the development officers, coaches, and the Fiji National Sports Commission for their support in spreading the sport of AFL throughout Fiji.
Despite the loss in the third-place competition for the U16 girls and boys, Vakasausau remains optimistic about the future of AFL in Fiji.
She aims to regroup and improve on their weaknesses for the next year’s competition.
Vakasausau remains positive and thankful for the progress that has been made in introducing and developing the sport of AFL in Fiji.
“It is evident that there is a strong passion for the sport in Fiji and with the right support and resources, the Fiji AFL team can continue to grow and compete with other teams in the Oceania region.” said Vakasausau.
In the grand final matches, Papua New Guinea emerged as the victors for the boy’s U16, while Tonga claimed the title for the girl’s U16, Fiji Junior Tribe lost against Tonga Thunder in third place, and Fiji Junior Vonu lost against Papua New Guinea in the third place playoff of the girl’s competition.
