‘IT’S A SHAME’
31-Jul-2009 09:40 AM

FORMER Lautoka Football Association vice-president Raymond Singh (PICTURED) has once again come out firing towards the Fiji Football Association in the wake of a disastrous performance by the Fiji 5-a-side beach soccer team this week.

The national side has not won a single match at the Oceania World Cup qualifiers currently played in Tahiti.

Singh said the losses were a result of it’s hastily preparation after failing to win the FUTSAL meet at home.

The Intiaz Khan-coached side lost to Tahiti 5-10, went down to Vanuatu in a close encounter 4-5 before being taught a lesson by last year’s champs Solomon Islands 2-11 yesterday to end the preliminary stage winless.

A furious Singh said the only way to develop FUTSAL and beach soccer was to let Fiji FA host 5-a-side FUTSAL and beach soccer bazaar at home.

He said in this way more unknown talents would be found.

“It’s a shame that Fiji used to defeat teams like Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in all levels of the game and now they have progressed in leaps and bounds.

“The only progress FFA is making is by boosting its coffers in the local major tournaments. There is no major foresight and concrete development and I will be in a dream world before Fiji manages to go towards the world stage,” said Singh.

He said other sports like rugby, netball, golf, karate, judo, volleyball and athletics have all progressed to the world stage while Fiji soccer regrettably is lying stagnant.

“Now the BOG is just around the corner and Fiji FA will be more concerned in running the tournament successfully and their finance becomes top priority.

“We are about to have the second major tournament and there is still no sign of having a national 11-a-side team squad even to play friendly matches despite Fiji FA talking about all the development work.

“No fruit seems to be bearing and this will remain until the long serving officials step down or retire gracefully.

“There has also been so much talk about districts getting their cut after the FACT which remains to be seen.

“I have no intention ever to serve under this current set of executives but my only wish is to serve in Fiji FA’s finance board where I would love to see all grants given to FFA by Oceania and FIFA,” Singh added.