Former professional footballer Rob Sherman is the new head coach for the Digicel national football team.
Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel announced Sherman’s appointment today following the expiration of English coach Fleming Serristlev’s contract early this year.
“We are happy that he accepted our offer because he has a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and consultant,” Patel said of the former Cardiff City and Swansea City player.
Patel said Sherman had signed a three-year contract with Fiji FA.
In a statement from Fiji FA, Sherman said he was delighted to be involved with such a progressive association.
He says he feels the board has the balance right between “development and performance”.
“I’m excited as I believe with regular contact, the team has the potential to be highly competitive in the region and push for one of the 1.5 qualifying spots for the 2026 World Cup,” Sherman said.
“This year will be about getting to know the players and 2024 about creating that competitive winning habit in preparation for the 2025 qualifiers.”
One of Sherman’s first major tournaments as head coach will be the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands at the end of the year.
At a glance:
- Rob Sherman played for Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Hull City
- He served as Technical Director of the Football Federation Australia
- Held numerous coaching and technical positions throughout his 45-plus years in the game
- Started his coaching career as a player-coach in the Welsh league in his 20’s in the 1980’s moving on to join the Football Association of Wales in 1997 as an Area Coach
- Sherman is UEFA level 5 (Pro Licence) and AFC Pro Diploma coach educator who has conducted over 30 A Licences and 7 Professional licenses in Wales, Australia, New Zealand and Asia with many coaches going on to enjoy successful coaching careers
- He has coached at all levels in the game but importantly at Senior Men’s with the Canadian Men’s Team and Senior Women’s with the NZ and Canadian Women
- He was part of the coaching team who guided the Canadian Women to Bronze in the London Olympics in 2012.
Source: Fiji FA
