Fiji will be aiming for back-to-back qualification as the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship kicks off on Sunday in Honiara.
Fueled by their second-place finish in Papeete, which secured a place in the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar, the Sunil Kumar-coached side will be looking to repeat the feat.
“We know it will be challenging, we have been following all these countries and the development that has been going through all the Oceania countries and how they are all growing so fast.
“But when we have an aim and objective for the boys, our aim is to achieve back-to-back qualifications for the World Cup,” Kumar, pictured, said during the pre-tournament press conference held at the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) headquarters on Friday.
Speaking on the importance of the tournament, Kumar said the competition provides a platform for young talents to express themselves.
“We also want to enjoy Solomon Islands, and I also told my boys to enjoy and express themselves here,” he added.
“I think it’s the best and first stage for those aspired to be professional footballers, so this OFC U-16 qualifiers is important,” he added.
Fiji opens their campaign on Sunday at 12pm against Tahiti, a repeat of last year’s semi-finals.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
