OFC President David Chung says strong leadership shown by Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel has raised Fiji’s football profile around the world thanks in part to their turn at the FIFA U-20 World Cup earlier this year.
“The Fiji U-20 team earned a place in the history books as the first OFC nation to win a match in this age group – and all this was on their debut at a FIFA competition,” Chung says.
“These young boys who led Fiji to glory are now household names in Fiji and the success of this side in June helped OFC make a strong case for greater participation for our Member Associations in FIFA youth competitions.”
“Fiji’s success on the international stage has shone a spotlight on Rajesh and all that he is doing to raise the standard and profile of Fiji football.”
Patel has focused on youth development which has seen Development Centres and Centres of Excellence established across the country.
“Over the years Rajesh has demonstrated a clear commitment to making sure young people who want to be involved in football, have the opportunity to do so,” Chung says.
“He has a clear vision to take football to Fiji’s remote and isolated communities and I congratulate him on this insight as you never know what hidden talent is waiting to be discovered.”
Patel is also committed to restoring the national team to glory and already they’re making inroads.
With the OFC Nation’s Cup looming they have leap-frogged current holders Tahiti to claim third place in the region. In addition the 17 spot movement they experienced in the latest release of the rankings was the largest of any nation.
Chung says it has been a good term, and a good year in particular, for Patel.
“Rajesh has proven himself more than capable in his role at the head of Fiji football,” Chung says.
“The successes he has overseen during his time speak for themselves and I have no doubt we will see more great things for Fiji football under Rajesh’s continued leadership.”