The race for Oceania’s FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifying spot took a dramatic turn at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji, after host nation Fiji downed title challengers New Caledonia 2-0 on Sunday. The victory handed Fiji a second consecutive win and pole position in a competition that looks set to go to the wire. But…
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has conceded Australia’s goal-kicking options need urgent reinforcement leading into next year’s World Cup. As last year’s heir apparent Christian Lealiifano performs some way off his cool-headed best this season and newly anointed Test five-eighth options Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale stumbled badly against the Rebels on Friday, McKenzie signalled greater…
The embattled coach of the 8th IRB ranked Manu Samoa Sevens team, Viliamu Punivalu, has resigned, less than a year into his role. His resignation was apparently submitted, discussed and approved by the Board of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) last Thursday. Repeated attempts to obtain a comment from the S.R.U. about Punivalu’s resignation –…
Delaying the annual general meeting (AGM) is a breach of the Fiji Rugby Union constitution, but it’s something we had to do, says FRU chairman Filimone Waqabaca. Under Rugby House’s constitution, the AGM is supposed to be held in April annually. However FRU postponed the meet becuase of no quorum in late April to mid…
U-19 pledged to deliver The Solomon Islands national under 19 team’s hopes of making it through the Under 20 World Cup qualifying round in Fiji is high with the absence of New Zealand and Tahiti’s. New Zealand will not participate as they will be the host for the World Cup next year whilst Tahiti is…
The head coach of the Solomon Islands National U19 soccer squad, Commins Menapi has assured supporters and soccer fanatics that the injuries of some of their travelling players are just minor injuries. Menapi made the assurance before their departure over the weekend. He admitted having some players being injured during the friendly match against Marist…
New Zealand football international Shane Smeltz has signed a one year deal with Sydney FC after quitting Perth Glory yesterday. Smeltz scored 28 goals in 58 appearances for Perth, but his 2013/14 campaign was blighted by a series of injuries. The prolific striker says he expects to win trophies with his new club. “I’m very…
Fiji Times – HEAVY rain in the Capital City on Saturday forced the Suva Football Association management to postpone all its local league fixtures yesterday. Ten games were supposed to be played at Buckhurst and Bidesi parks but more rain forecast for this week meant they would now play their games at a later date.…
OFC: The 12 participating teams have learned what hurdles await them following the draw for the Youth Olympic Football Tournaments Nanjing 2014 which took place on Wednesday in Nanjing, China PR. Representing Oceania are Papua New Guinea in the Girl’s tournament and Vanuatu in the boy’s – the second consecutive appearance for either side in…
Fiji Times – A fan club has been formed to assist the Nadi Football Association look after the welfare of the district players. Headed by Moveen Ali, the club aims to take the Jetsetters to greater heights. Ali said they would be securing resources from the Nadi fans not only in the country but also…