National Sporting Bodies as a rule in Fiji are given independence - Bala

Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala says that National Sporting Bodies as a rule in Fiji are given independence and this freedom of operation is respected with the expectation of positive outcomes.

While speaking at the Vodafone Fiji FA Awards Night last night Bala challenged the Fiji Football Association, districts and players alike to lift their game.

He says if our Rugby Union brothers can put us on the world stage and contribute to our economic growth in terms of remittance, he has no doubt and is very confident that under the leadership of Rajesh Patel, Fiji FA can do this as well.

Bala has invited the Fiji FA executives to engage with the government more for the development of the sport.

He says football development is critical for our younger generation as it is for the wellness and health of our nation.

Bala says annual sports awards such as the Fiji FA Awards gives incentives for players and officials alike to be recognized and be further motivated in their performance.

He thanked Fiji FA for organising the Football Awards not only to recognise the award winners but an opportunity to acknowledge the sponsors and those people who have worked behind the scene to ensure that football in Fiji remains a competitive national sport.

Bala says he hopes that the winners of the awards will inspire the next generation of football champions from Fiji.

He says this is an event where football players, families and Fiji Football Association can reflect on some of their own plans, goals and objectives.

Bala says, more importantly, it will enable them to measure their performance against desirable outcomes.

He says tonight’s occasion provides a platform for football in Fiji to refocus, recharge and revive its agenda to make the sport more competitive and to generate more positive vibes about it.

He says it is no secret that in order to improve our performance in the Oceania and world rankings in football, Fiji must engage and compete with international teams here or abroad and must provide a proper platform for youth football players.

Meanwhile, the 2019 Fiji Football Association Award winners of 2019 are as follows:

• Zibraaz Sahib of Lautoka Soccer team was given the Fair Play Player of of the Year 2019.

• Adi Litia Bakaniceva was the Junior Female Footballer of the Year 2019.

• Muni Shivam Naidu was the Junior Male Footballer of the Year 2019. • Rajeev Prasad of Navua was the Administrator of the Year Senior Division 2019.

• Nitesh Raniga of Fijian Broadcasting Association was the Media Personality of the Year 2019.

• Avinesh Narayan of Ba Soccer team was the Referee of the Year 2019.

• Labasa Soccer team was the Team of the Year 2019.

• Suva FA President, Ritesh Prasad was the Administrator of the Year Premier Division 2019.

• Siotame Kubu got the Goal of the Year Award 2019.

• Charlene Lockington of Ba Women’s Soccer team was the Female Coach of the Year 2019.

• Ronil Lal of Labasa Soccer Team was the Male Coach of the Year 2019.

• Cema Nasau of Ba Womens Soccer team was the Female footballer of the Year.

• Antonio Tuivuna of Labasa soccer team was the Male Footballer of the Year 2019.

• Popular Footballer of the Year 2019 Award was Jeshal Kumar of Nadi Soccer team.

• Fiji FA Hall of Fame Inductee for Meritorious Performance Award was given to Late Mr. Farouk Janeman.

• Fiji FA Hall of Fame Inductee for Meritorious Contribution Award winner was Bobby Tikaram.

• Fiji FA Employee of the Year 2019 was Anushil Kumar

• Mohammed Shanawaz Munif of Suva was the Volunteer of the Year 2019