The future of Fijian football is looking brighter than ever as the FIFA Talent Programme continues its nationwide push to identify and develop the country’s most promising young players.
FIFA Talent Coach Talal Safar, currently leading the programme in Fiji, says the initiative is part of a global effort to ensure every talented player can succeed.
“The FIFA Talent Programme works with member associations around the world, and our partnership with the Fiji Football Federation is a key part of that vision,” Safar explained.
Since the start of the year, the programme has already made significant progress. At the Elite Academy in Labasa, 18 young players are undergoing daily training in a professional, high-performance environment designed to help them reach their full potential.
“These boys are living like professional footballers,” Safar said. “We’re supporting them technically, tactically, physically, and mentally so they can become the best version of themselves.”
Talent identification has been a major focus, with centralized scouting events held across the country—including Labasa in the North, Suva in the South, and Ba in the West. The programme targets players in the Under-13, Under-14, and Under-15 age groups, ensuring a strong pipeline for the future.
During a recent session in Suva, around 40 young players showcased their skills, with selectors narrowing the group down to just 10 standout performers.
“It’s never easy to choose because the level of talent we’ve seen is very good,” Safar said. “But this is a process—it’s not based on just one day.”
Selected players will now attend a final camp in Labasa from the 11th to the 13th, where FIFA staff and local coaches will work together to make the final selections. The goal is to form a squad of around 22 players who will train together over the next one to two years.
The long-term vision is clear: to prepare these young athletes for national duty at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels, raising the overall standard of football in Fiji.
“This is not a one-off programme,” Safar emphasized. “It’s a journey. The Fiji Football Federation is committed to identifying talent, developing it in the right environment, and providing a clear pathway to the national teams.”
With strong collaboration between FIFA and the Fiji FA, and continued scouting across the islands, the programme is set to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Fijian football stars.
Safar summed it up best: “We’ve seen incredible potential here. Now it’s about nurturing that talent and building for the future.”
