Kitione Baleiloa has been named captain of the Extra Fiji Futsal team for the upcoming OFC Men’s Futsal Cup 2025, which kicks off this Saturday at Vodafone Arena in Suva.
Fiji Football Association says at 34 years of age, Baleiloa, affectionately known as Kiti has been a pillar of Fiji futsal since he made his debut at just 15 years old.
They say with 19 years of service to the code, he is one of the most experienced and respected players in the region.
Head Coach Jose Gerardo says the decision to appoint Baleiloa as captain reflects his long-standing contribution to Fijian futsal and his unwavering leadership.
He says Baleiloa has been playing futsal for a long time for Fiji, and he deserves the captain’s armband as his age is catching up.
Gerardo says he is not just our last line of defence but he is the first spark of motivation.
The coach says as a goalkeeper, he sees everything on the court and that vision and calmness makes him the perfect leader.
Gerardo says he is one of the most passionate futsal players he has coached, always the first to arrive, last to leave, and the one lifting others on hard days.
Gerardo says he leads with his heart, not just his gloves.
Reflecting on his journey, Baleiloa says being named captain was one of the proudest moments of his career.
He says it is more than just an armband, it’s a badge of honour for everything he has fought for in this game.
Baleiloa says to lead his country at home, in front of our people, after all these years, is something he will carry forever.
The captain says he was just 15 when he wore this jersey for the first time and at 34, the fire still burns just as strong.
He says as captain, he wants to set the tone, work hard, play smart, and give everything for that badge.
He is urging others players to play with pride, play for each other, and leave nothing behind.
The captain says this tournament is not just another competition; it’s a chance to create history for Fiji Futsal.
Baleiloa adds their goal is to win the title and show the region that Fiji can rise to the top.
Fiji takes on Vanuatu at 7pm on Saturday , the Solomon Islands at 4pm on Sunday, Tuvalu at 4pm on Monday and New Zealand at 4pm on Tuesday.
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