The Northern, Western and Southern U-18 sides have taken part in the games at Churchill Park in Lautoka as Fiji FA looks to start putting together its next national U-20 squad.
Argentinian Canosa was on the sidelines to witness a 1-1 draw between Southern and Western, as well as a 2-0 Western win over Northern.
He believes the tournament is a step in the right direction for producing players capable of representing their country.
“I think we have gone from a minus to a plus,” he says.
“The first game I watched was not what we expected as at times they were just kicking the ball around and there was no proper structure. But before the second game techinical director Saiyad Ali had a chat with the teams and they played a 4-3-3 formation.
“The players kept possession and attacked well. These players are progressing day-by-day and it is a good sign. I am pleased with how the players performed in the second match.”
The U-18 zonal squads are part of Fiji FA’s plans for developing the next generation of U-20 national team players, who will attempt to qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup by winning the OFC U-20 Championship.
Fiji reached the semi-finals of this year’s Oceania qualifiers in Auckland but were comprehensively beaten 6-0 by eventual winners New Zealand. The Ravinesh Kumar-coached side also missed out on bronze after being pipped 2-0 by Vanuatu in the 3rd/4th play-off match.
The fourth-place finish was viewed as a disappointing result by Fiji FA and the association is aiming for an improved showing in 2013.
“The preparation for our next national U-20 side has begun,” technical director Ali says.
“In two years’ time, these U-18 players will be ready to don the national jumper. Players have been divided into their respective zones and are part of Fiji FA’s two-year programme.
“The zonal sides have been training prior to this tournament and the Vodafone Fiji FACT gives us an ideal time for the three sides to compete against each other. We will be watching the players closely.”
For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj