Fiji FA Charts New Path for Football Development at National Coaches Workshop
The Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) has outlined bold new plans to unify its football philosophy and strengthen both youth and women’s football during a national workshop held at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba. The event, attended by district coaches and technical staff, was opened by Fiji FA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Yusuf, who emphasized the need for greater investment in coach education and grassroots development. Yusuf said Fiji FA is determined to reshape the game from the ground up, with special attention to younger players. “We have plans to invest a lot of money in coach education, and we are also going lower into the younger age groups. The 6 to 11 and 6 to 12-year categories are crucial for the future of Fijian football,” he explained. This initiative comes as the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League is set to kick off next year. Fiji will field Bula FC as its professional team, which must comply with licensing requirements including the operation of a youth academy, development programs, and structured pathways for emerging players. “Everything will be aligned to ensure we are compliant with Pro League licensing and, more importantly, to ensure Fiji develops football talent systematically,” Yusuf added. A major theme of the workshop was the urgent need to strengthen women’s football. Yusuf admitted that Fiji’s past dominance at the youth level has slipped in recent years. “Everything we do for men, we want to do for women. We used to be very strong in the under-16 and under-19 categories for girls, but results have shown a decline. That tells us we have not done enough at the grassroots for our girls,” he said. Yusuf made it clear that Fiji FA’s approach to football will now be non-negotiable. “We don’t want coaches from different districts each having their own style of play. That makes it harder to promote players into the professional environment. We want one clear philosophy, embraced across the nation, so that players have a clear pathway into Bula FC and the national teams,” he said. The workshop featured presentations and training sessions from a team of highly qualified experts, including: Yogendra Dutt – Head of Education, driving coach education programs. Marika Rodu – Assistant National Coach. Noel Augustine – Physiotherapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach. Fiji FA Technical Director David Baltase – International coach educator with experience in Cameroon, the Caribbean, the US, and France. He has designed the vision for Fiji’s football development, which the FA now wants to implement nationwide. Yusuf stressed that the role of a coach is not limited to winning games but also includes holistic player management. “A coach needs to look at the human being – their recovery, their mental preparedness, their nutrition and their training load,” Yusuf said. He warned against outdated practices of overtraining players before tournaments, calling for a more scientific approach that maximizes performance and minimizes injuries. Yusuf closed the workshop by thanking the coaches who attended, while firmly reminding them that commitment to the new philosophy is essential. “Those who do not embrace this philosophy will not be part of our national coaching setup,” he said. The Fiji FA sees this workshop as a turning point, laying the foundation for a new era of structured development, equal opportunities for men and women, and a unified football identity across the nation.
Mental health: Everton fan Sam talks about support from club
Sam, a lifelong Everton fan, opens up to Toffees vice-captain James Tarkowski about his mental health struggles – and how Everton in the Community has helped turn his life around. If you have been affected by issues raised in this video, there is information and support available on BBC Action Line.
Rewa needs ‘A game’ against Suva says Manu – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Football/Facebook] It may have been an average tournament for Power Volt Suva at the FMF Inter District Championship at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba but they shouldn’t be taken lightly says Stratum Construction Rewa coach Priyant Manu. He made the comments after his side drew 2-all with RC Manubhai Ba in their top of the table clash last night. Some says cometh hour, cometh the man, and that’s what actually happened when Rewa was behind by 2 goals heading into the second half as senior players like Tevita Waranivalu, Setareki Hughes, Kavaia Rawaqa, and Gabiriele Matanisiga stepped up. Article continues after advertisement However, Manu says the result last night is history now because they’ll play Suva in the semifinal, a team that plays a different style of football. ”We’ll map out a plan to play Suva because they’re a good side, with good coaching staff so we’ll need to play our A game to reach the finals.” Extra Supermarket Labasa takes on RC Manubhai Ba at 2pm tomorrow in the first Super Premier semifinal followed by the Rewa and Power Suva game at 4:30pm. You can listen to the commentaries of both games on Radio Fiji 2. In the senior division semifinals, Lami meet Dreketi at 10am at 4R Stadium Govind Park while Rakiraki and Bua battle at the Fiji FA Academy ground. Ba Legends faces Rewa Legends at 12:30pm. All finals are going to be played on Sunday. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Cam Skattebo scores three touchdowns as New York Giants stun champions
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Running back Cam Skattebo ran for three touchdowns as the New York Giants stunned their divisional rivals the Philadelphia Eagles 34-17. Fellow rookie Jaxson Dart also ran for a touchdown and threw for another as the Giants condemned the Super Bowl champions to a second successive defeat. Opposing quarterback Jalen Hurts had a torrid evening as he was sacked three times and intercepted once. Dart’s 20-yard run and 35-yard pass to Wan’Dale Robinson gave the Giants a 13-3 lead in the first quarter before Hurts found Dallas Goedert from three yards to cut the gap. Hurts went over himself in the second quarter as the Eagles used their tush-push tactic on four successive plays. But Skattebo grabbed his first score from four yards before half-time and added a pair of one-yard scores to secure just a fourth win for the Giants against the Eagles in 18 meetings. Hurts overthrew DeVonta Smith and was returned 68 yards by Cor’Dale Flott as he was intercepted for just the second time in 15 games.
World Cup qualifying: ‘Chronic Scotland prevail in Hampden head-wrecker’
On the touchline, Clarke had words with his assistant Steven Naismith. “How are we level, Naisy?” asked Clarke. “No idea, gaffer,” replied Naismith. “It’s a miracle, Naisy,” said the manager, “Give us six numbers for the lotto, boss,” said Naismith. That exchange didn’t happen, of course, because when the two men came side-by-side, the pair of them seemed lost for words as Hampden convulsed all around them. A draw? “We’ll take it and do the arithmetic later.” There was more to come, naturally. Karetsas and Konstantelios appeared and acres of space appeared down Scotland’s right. Greece started to gather themselves and look dangerous again. And that’s when Scotland made it two. A free-kick, a scramble, a Lewis Ferguson poke, and the lead. This was football as fiction. No, science fiction. Into added time we went. Karetsas forced a brilliant save from Gunn in the 91st minute. Have you ever seen 45,000 people roar with happiness while simultaneously calling for oxygen masks? And have you ever seen anything as ludicrous, as preposterous, as jaw-droppingly hilarious as a third Scottish goal going in at the end? A present. Big Lyndon Dykes ripped off the gift-wrapping and launched his shot into the roof of the Greek net. Scotland drive on, somehow. They have Belarus on Sunday, a game they are hot favourites to win. Belarus got annihilated by Denmark on Thursday. In pulling off this Houdiniesque act of escapology, Clarke’s team produced the strange feat of stunning a stadium into delirium. Three good results on the board. Three more and it’s Hollywood, baby.
Sewabu lauds Kadavu’s rapid rise in rugby – FBC News
[Source: Fiji Rugby/Facebook] Fiji Rugby acting chief executive Koli Sewabu has praised the remarkable rise of Kadavu as the team prepare to make their debut in next year’s Skipper Cup competition. Sewabu says the achievement is a proud moment for island rugby and a reflection of the growing depth and competitiveness in Fiji’s domestic structure. He highlighted Kadavu’s journey as particularly inspiring, noting how the province has turned community initiatives into success on the field. Article continues after advertisement “It’s exciting to see the growth of Kadavu into the Skipper Cup competition and the exposure of our southern boys to a higher level of competition.” A few years ago, local leaders and rugby officials launched a program, using rugby and sport as tools for youth development and unity. Sewabu said the island team’s progress to the Vanua Cup final this year and now to the Skipper Cup is a testament to their dedication and the power of community-driven rugby. He adds that Fiji Rugby will be reviewing its domestic competitions to better align them with the demands of modern rugby and the upcoming global calendar. Sewabu also commended Navosa for maintaining their consistency and proving that strong grassroots systems can produce competitive teams capable of stepping up to the elite level. As the countdown begins for next season, Sewabu says Fiji Rugby is looking forward to seeing both teams test themselves against the country’s best, further strengthening the pathway for players from all corners of the nation. Meanwhile, the two teams will meet 3pm tomorrow for the Vanua final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. You can watch it LIVE on FBC 2 and overseas viewers can watch it for $30fjd on our online streaming platform Viti Plus. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Craig Bellamy insists England friendly was just what his Wales team needed
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Craig Bellamy defended his choice to play England after Wales were brushed aside 3-0 at Wembley. Many Wales fans had questioned this ‘Battle of Britain’ friendly fixture just four days before their vital World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Monday. But Bellamy insisted Wales would gain more than lose from a sobering Wembley night when they trailed by three goals inside 20 minutes. “I wanted this game, I needed to see where we are,” Bellamy said after Wales were sunk by goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka. “I can play Lithuania or someone if you want – and that’s no disrespect to them – but we’ll have loads of the ball and try to break them down. “Where do we want to go? Who do we want to be? Even now that fills me more with motivation, more hunger. “That physical profile, speed, duels (of the England players), that’s where you want our players to be. I want them to feel that. “This is where we want to be, but we know we have to play at the top to be up against these teams. I want our egos to be hurt, I like us to be annoyed, but Monday is a different game. “You don’t go anywhere being damaged. Once you get your a*** kicked you learn the most, and I got my a*** kicked.” Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow had made one fine save before Rogers punished dozy defending in the third minute. It got worse for Wales eight minutes later as Watkins tapped home from close range before Saka bent home a beauty from just inside the box. Bellamy said: “The first 20 minutes was tough. It’s a very difficult place to come without starting the way we did. “We made it very difficult for ourselves and we had to suffer a lot of pain. “You look at what makes us a good team when we’re not a good team. Stress, full stadium. “That’s why it was so important to get this game because we will get stressed and we will get tested. “It’s not the first time because we were 3-0 down against Belgium (Wales fought back to level in Brussels before losing 4-3). Belgium and England are at that top table – and we’re not there. “To give ourselves a big chance we have to stick to what we do. That’s why these games are so beneficial.” Wales did improve in the second half, although England arguably had taken their foot off the gas. David Brooks and Chris Mepham were both denied by excellent Jordan Pickford stops as Wales sought a consolation goal. Bellamy said: “I quite enjoyed half-time. I was like, ‘Now we see’. We can hide. What are we going to do? We gave examples of what we can do better, but it’s also who you are. “When those moments happen, it shows who you are as a coach as well. You can come in bawling and throwing stuff, but to who? It makes no sense. “It’s not exactly planned and what I’d like, but I’m already looking forward to Monday.”
‘Results are what qualify you and these Scotland players understand that’
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke praises his players’ resilience and desire in their comeback World Cup qualification win over Greece.
Steve Clarke praises Scotland character after win over Greece
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Steve Clarke claims the Scottish public should “love” their national team following Scotland’s remarkable 3-1 never-say-die win over Greece at Hampden Park. Scotland should have been three or four goals down against the slick visitors in the 2026 World Cup qualifier before Konstantinos Tsimikas eventually fired Greece in front in the 62nd minute – and the Tartan Army were not impressed. However, goals from Ryan Christie, fellow midfielder Lewis Ferguson and substitute Lyndon Dykes turned the game and took Scotland on to seven points from three Group C fixtures, behind leaders Denmark on goal difference, ahead of the visit of Belarus on Sunday. Greece beat Scotland 3-0 in the Nations League play-off in March to relegate the Scots to League B – but this victory put the hosts in a strong position to make next summer’s World Cup finals. Clarke praised his side’s tenacity and determination. “I have talked before about the character of this group,” said the former Scotland defender, who will be without suspended Christie and Ferguson on Sunday with defender Aaron Hickey doubtful because of knee injury. “The Scottish public should love to have them. They never know when they’re beat. “They want to be remembered as a really successful group of players and hopefully they’re on their way to doing that by getting to another tournament. “But it is three points and we have another game on Sunday and we have to make sure we get three points there as well. “We are still focused on where we are trying to get to. Defensively this was a tough night for us as the Greeks were very good in possession. “There were slick with their movement and speed of pass. We didn’t get enough high pressure. “But the shackles came off when they scored – and that comes from the determination from within the group to make sure it wasn’t going to be another disappointing night here at Hampden. “Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve in football and sometimes you get a little bit more than you deserve, but don’t underestimate the work the players put into the first part of the game. “The last time Greece came here, they were slick in the first half and went in 2-0 up. This time they were slicker than us again, but it was 0-0. “We didn’t give a goal way in the first 10 seconds of the second half so that helps. It took them longer to get themselves in front. “Football is a 96 or 97 minute game now. You have to work your way into it and control the game in your bad moments. That’s what we did tonight. “In the bad moments we worked every so hard to keep the game level or tight – then we managed to get the goals that got us the win.” On Angus Gunn’s wonder save from Greece substitute Konstantinos Karetsas in added time at 2-1, Clarke said: “It was a good save. That is what he is there for. Goalkeepers are asked to make saves. “I always tell them they are going to have to make one or two big saves and tonight Angus was called on once and he made the save which was fantastic.”
Lewanayaqona’s love for rugby fuels her rise with Macuata – FBC News
Loraini Lewanayaqona Behind every rugby jersey is a story of sacrifice, and for Loraini Lewanayaqona, her journey with the Macuata women’s rugby team is one of quiet strength and passion. Lewanayaqona has spent the past three years carving out her place in a sport she once knew little about, driven by a simple love for challenge. Balancing her rugby dreams with her demanding job in the Fiji Police Force hasn’t been easy. Article continues after advertisement The 30-year-old works long 12-hour shifts but still finds time to train; often squeezing in sessions after work or during her days off. “I would just like to thank the Division Police Commander North for releasing us when the MRU had sent a release form asking them to release the officers and they have agreed to that. So how I balance my work is that I work 12 hours. After I work, I come for training. After training, if I am training in the day time, if I have my chief, I have to pop the game on my chief. That is how I do my work. It’s because everything is just about serving the public.” The women’s side receives limited funding, relying largely on the efforts of the players and their coach to stay competitive. Without formal sponsorship, the team depends on small personal contributions and community support to cover basic needs such as travel, gear, and camp costs. Their coach, Narieta Motubiu, has gone as far as selling fish parcels to raise money for the team, while the employed players, like Lewanayaqona, contribute from their own pockets to ensure the team can train and travel. Their determination recently earned Macuata a place in the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup Final, where they will meet a formidable Ba Women’s side. The two teams will meet tomorrow at 3pm at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. You can watch this match live on FBC 2. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.