Farina arrived in Fiji last week for his first training session with the Fiji U-20 squad at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.
He will be working closely with current Fiji U-20 coach Ravinesh Kumar as the squad prepares for what shapes as their toughest test yet.
“This opportunity came out at a good time for me when I finished with Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League and a proposition was put forward by the OFC and Fiji FA to assist the Fiji U-20.
“Interestingly this is the first time Fiji has qualified for a FIFA age-group World Cup and it will be interesting to help and be part of it,” Farina says.
The former Socceroos striker won 67 caps for his country and is no stranger to football in Fiji.
“I have played against Fiji many times since the late 70’s and early 80’s and then I was coach for the Socceroos for six years when we were still part of the Oceania region.
“I have a lot of experience playing and coaching against Fijian sides. I understand the culture and mentality and I grew up in Papua New Guinea, “ Farina says, “so I have always had a soft spot for Oceania and it is nice to be able to help.”
The FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 will be played from 30 May – 20 June in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington and Whangarei.
“Hopefully, I can help Ravinesh and his staff to put on a good performance next year. I would be a liar if I said that I knew all the players but I have seen couple of them when I came two months ago during a tournament here. We have plenty of time to look at everyone more closely,” Farina says.
With 24 of the world’s top nations at U-20 level taking part in one of FIFA’s biggest tournaments, Farina is aware of the challenge that lies before Fiji to compete.
“Fiji are going to come up against some very good sides, the best in the world in the U-20 level and you can be rest assured that in Fiji’s group you will most probably be drawn with a world champion or a former world champion and another very strong side” he adds.
Despite the challenge set before Fiji, Farina remains focused on the positives in front of Kumar’s team.
“It is a great test to see players at this level and that sort of experience you cannot buy. It will be a great learning experience for the players and coaches as well. The more World Cups you play, the bigger and better you will see football become in Fiji,” he says.
Farina and Kumar are set to finalise their build-up programme as they enter a crucial stage of their preparation.
“I’m in Fiji for two weeks until the 24th of September when we will have the programme done for the rest of the year leading up to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. It’s a matter of finalising games and tours.
“Once we have that in place, we will continue to do our best. I hope we are able to show the world that Oceania countries can be competitive,” Farina says.
Fiji U-20 gets its first taste of preparatory action in New Zealand when they take part in the inaugural OFC President’s Cup set for November 17-23 at Trusts Stadium in Auckland.
Farina coached Papua New Guinea at the OFC Nations Cup in 2012.
Ends

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