ERONI TUINACEVA
sUVA
Congratulatory messages continue to pour in for the Vodafone Fiji Under-20 football team following their historic win against Solomon Islands last Saturday to qualify for the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.
Major sponsor Vodafone commended the boys for an exceptional performance with managing director Aslam Khan acknowledging the team’s gallant effort.
‘This is a proud day for Fiji and for soccer in the country,” he said.
“We have finally made it to the World Cup soccer stage.
“To be amongst the top 24 nations out of the 201 soccer playing nations in the world is no mean feat.
“Our support for the development of soccer at grassroots level through our sponsorship is certainly paying dividends.
“We thank the boys, the coaches and the officials at Fiji Football milestone achievement. It’s truly a proud moment for Fiji.”
Khan conveyed his best wishes to the squad in preparation for the World Cup next year and assured of more support from the sponsors.
Vodafone provided $50,000 to the squad ahead of their preparations for the 2014 OFC U20 Championships, the tournament doubling as the qualifying event for one more country from Oceania to join New Zealand at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.
Fiji had set their sights on the qualifying spot from the start of the tournament, beating American Samoa in the opening round 4-0.
The host side went on to secure a 2-0 win over New Caledonia and a 3-0 win over Papua New Guinea.
Vanuatu stalled Fiji’s campaign momentarily after drawing 2-2 in what could have been the decider for the world cup spot.
Vanuatu went on to score the prerequisite four points against PNG’s two points to remain in contention for the spot. However, a determined Fiji side denied their fellow Melanesians the World Cup ticket after beating Solomon Islands in the deciding match 2-1 on Saturday night, realising a dream 76 years in the making for Fiji Football Association.
Vodafone will host the squad today for a reception at their headquarters in Tamavua.
The 2015 World Cup will be held in New Zealand.
Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj