Mataiasi Stark 
[Source: Fiji Football/ Facebook]
The Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Football Championship is playing an important role in the Fiji Football Association’s talent identification programme, with national coaches closely monitoring the competition in Labasa.
Fiji FA Head of Talent Development and Under-16 and Under-17 head coach Sunil Kumar says the tournament provides an ideal opportunity to assess players from across the country as preparations continue for future international assignments.
“We are here with the other technical staff and FIFA talent coach. We are looking for talent, and at Fiji FA our main aim is we want to give every talent a chance.”
Kumar says the association is casting a wide net to ensure promising players from all districts and zones are identified.
“We know there are schools out here from different zones and different districts, so we want to give every talent a chance.”
With Fiji set to compete at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Kumar says it is important that no potential prospect is overlooked.
“We have qualified for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and we don’t want to leave any talent.”
In addition to scouting new players, Fiji FA officials are also tracking the progress of players already within the national development system.
“We are also following our current players who are in the database.”
Kumar says the ultimate goal is to identify players capable of progressing through the ranks and eventually representing Fiji.
