The Vodafone Fiji Under-19 football side has dedicated its silver medal win at the Oceania Championships, in New Zealand yesterday, to former goalkeeper Francine Lockington.

Lockington was part of the extended squad but pulled out due to sickness, and later passed away while the team was in New Zealand.

Fiji won three of its five games at the tournament, for a best ever second finish.

Coach, Saroj Kumar, commended his team for a strong performance.

“It’s a heart touching tournament for us. Losing our goalkeeper and then coming here and winning silver, that is wonderful for us. Even though with the passing away of Francine, the spirit was high to at least take a silver back for her. After losing to New Zealand, we made our mind, that if we cannot be the best, we will do all we can to finish second, and we have proven that.”

Fiji defeated New Caledonia 2-1 in their last match yesterday.

Captain, Luisa Tamanitoakula won the player of the tournament, while Goalkeeper Ateca Tuwa was given the Golden Glove award for an outstanding performance throughout the tournament.

The side returns later today.