Futsal IDC champions Suva Futsal are preparing to represent Fiji at the highly anticipated OFC Futsal Men’s Championships League, scheduled from November 16 to 23 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Coach Vivek Nandan expressed his pride in the team’s upcoming participation, seeing it as a significant honor to represent the nation on a regional platform.
Nandan highlighted the tremendous growth of the sport in Fiji, attributing this progress to the support from the Fijian football authorities. He noted that Fiji is now better positioned to compete against regional powerhouses such as New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. In previous encounters, Fiji faced considerable challenges, suffering significant defeats; however, Nandan remarked that the team is now competing much more closely, with recent matches being decided by just a small margin.
The coach is optimistic about Fiji’s potential to claim the championship title within the next three to five years. He expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, emphasizing their talent, cohesion, and passion for the game. Nandan believes that with adequate support from sponsors and fans, Suva Futsal has what it takes to succeed in the upcoming tournament.
Despite their achievements, financing remains a significant challenge for the team, as they currently rely primarily on self-funding for local competitions. Nandan has called upon the community and local businesses to lend their support, which will be crucial in preparing the team to take on the best of the Oceania region.
The enthusiasm and ambition displayed by Suva Futsal reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of Fijian futsal, as they aim to solidify their standing on the regional stage. With ongoing support and investment in the sport, there is a bright prospect for further development and success in upcoming competitions.