Fijian football could be seen competing in the FIFA World Cup tournament just in few years says FIFA Talent coach Daniel Cook who is here in the country for the Talent Identification program.
Speaking to Fiji FA Media during the launch of the McDonald’s Talent Identification League for U13 and U15 at Fiji FA Academy in Ba on Sunday, Cook said Fiji Football was going on the right track.
“I think the potential is here if all the processes and things are placed together and provided quality training and experiences for the young people of Fiji,” he said.
“It’s a dream, I am sure every Fijian footballer has to feature in the FIFA World Cup and we could see in their eyes what they are aiming for, “said Cook
“The objective of my trip here is for a month visit both the Islands of Fiji, it’s a discovery visit and I have never been here,” said Cook
“We have lots of projects that FIFA is having and we want to support Fiji with that as well to develop the talents but the first step is to discover the Islands of Fiji geographically and connect and learn from the Fijians as well.”
“We visited Vanua Levu and we have seen some of the real challenges people face to develop their talents and the major challenge some of the people in Vanua Levu face are the transportation and lights which they need the most for training.”
Cook said there are lots of raw talents in the North.
“They have a passion for the game, they have great physical attributes and most importantly they are the friendliest people and I think these things combine there are real potentials in Vanua Levu.” said Cook
“What Fiji FA is doing in setting up the U13 and U15 League is a great way to develop the talents here,”
“I believe this is the first time Fiji FA is having such leagues for the Kids and this is the way forward to reach their goal and play at the FIFA World Cup,” said Cook
“If want to see the talent and we want to grow the game here and to see Fiji at the top level then its starts here.”
“It’s really important to give young people an opportunity to play and develop their skills.”
Cook said as part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme he was here to support Fiji Football in talent development.
“I am here to support Fiji in the future talents of football and youth initiatives and then into senior and national teams,” said Cook.
Fiji FA vice president Aiyaz Musa officially opened the league last Saturday.
Musa said it was a milestone achievement for Fiji FA to partner with MacDonald’s for the grassroots development of football.
“This is a milestone achievement and we would like to thank McDonald’s for coming on board and supporting us on our way forward in developing future stars of our country,” said Musa
“Fiji FA Board has been always committed to the development of football in Fiji and we supported Primary and Secondary Schools football competitions but with the support of FIFA and McDonalds we are proud to say we are now starting this league as a pilot project,”
“We will have four weeks of these U13 and U15 League as our pilot project but we will come out bigger and better next year with U9, U11, U13, and U15 games,” said Musa.
The McDonalds Talent Identification League kicked off last Saturday with Ba, Lautoka, and Nadi Centers at Ba Academy Ground while Rewa and Suva played at the Saraswati Manoca Ground in Nausori.
The Labasa matches were played at the Boca Primary School Grounds in Labasa.
