Prasad urged the young lads not to throw in the towel after just their first match but instead to work harder in order to improve as the National Football League progresses.
Fielding an U-20 team in the National Football League is part of Fiji Football Association’s plans to develop a side for the OFC U-20 Championship in Auckland, New Zealand, early next year.
“These young players should not be disheartened after this loss. This is our U-20 side and cream of players for the future. They played against an experienced Lautoka outfit which was good for their development. They are a very good team and they should improve in the competition,” Prasad said.
U-20 coach Zulfikar Khan says the loss, against a star studded Lautoka side, was nothing to be disappointed about. He added that this sort of outing was a major boost for his players.
“This match was a good exposure for my players playing against an experienced Lautoka side. These players are all 18-19 years old and playing against a talented side. We now need to go back to push hard on our fitness and a few other areas. I need about two months with them and they will be a team to watch,” Khan said.
Following a huge 5-1 victory over Royal Tea Nadi last weekend, Lautoka were determined to stretch their 19 match unbeaten run.
Air Pacific Fiji FA Footballer of the year striker Kamal Hassan was on target as he scored four goals. Fellow striking partner Osea Vakatalesau claimed a hat trick. Midfielder Alvin Avinesh and Elvin Prasad also scored a goal each.
National Football League
Lautoka: 9 (VAKATALESAU 3’, 58’, 66’, HASSAN 5’, 12’, 45’, 86’, PRASAD 27’, AVINESH 70’)
Fiji Skippy U-20: 0
Story and photo courtesy Fiji FA Media
For further results and news visit the Fiji FA website