Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) technical director Saiyad Ali says the players need to be in action on a regular basis to improve and is therefore keen to see the establishment of a women’s zonal league.
“With the blessings from the Fiji FA Board of Control and President Dr Sahu Khan, the technical department has been given the green light to organise such a league,” he says.
“Fiji FA will pay the full cost of transportation, game venues and match officials. Fixtures will be advertised and promoted in the same way as the senior men’s National Football League.”
Ali says the new league will be a vital part of the national women’s team’s preparations for the upcoming Pacific Games, set to be held in New Caledonia during August and September.
Fiji put in a disappointing showing at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in New Zealand last October, picking up just one point to finish at the bottom of Group B.
But despite this lacklustre result, Ali believes there is enough talent within the female Fijian ranks to make an impact at international level.
“They need to play regularly and we have to make sure that they do,” he says.
“There are a lot of young players who need a lot of game time. When the league is completed we will also stage a tournament.”
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj