Not results but exposure is the key objective for the Vodafone Fiji Under-19 side during their seven match tour of New Zealand.
Juan Carlos Buzzetti, the Fiji FA national coaching director made this comments as the Fiji Under-19 side defeated the NZ Fiji Football Association youth selection side 1-0 on Friday night at Bill McKinlay Park.
Buzzetti says this tour will provide the national side with various challenges which would assist in their preparations for the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation Under-19 championship.
“It was a very nice and very friendly game, the NZ Fiji Association team players are skillful and have nice touches of the ball, but of course our players are more mature, experience and have been working together for the last 3 months and that show during the game,” Buzzetti said.
“Our two goalkeepers played each half of the game with the Association team and without any doubt both of them were outstanding making many saves. In the end the game finished 1-0 for the U19 National Team. The score was not important as it was simply a friendly game,” he added.
The national coaching director thanked NZ Fiji FA Inc for the support.
“The NZ Fiji FA Inc has been looking after us in a fantastic way and have provided everything that we needed. To their president Sachin Dutt, Fiji FA liaison Mohammed Yusuf and the NZ Board our thank you for their support as without them this tour will never eventuate. Our sincere thank you also to Rex Dawkins for the organisation of all the games in this tour, his friendship and continue support through the years,” Buzzetti said.
The Fiji U-19 side faces Waitakere City in their next match tomorrow 2pm at Fred Taylor Reserve Ground.
FIJI FA MEDIA