THE Fiji national football team’s dismal showing at the King’s Cup has drawn sharp criticism from one of its past stalwarts.
Sylvester Joseph, a household name in Fijian football during the 1970s has voiced deep frustration over the string of heavy defeats, insisting the game and the jersey deserve far greater respect.
Joseph stressed the issue goes beyond a poor tournament, warning that the results expose a troubling future for a sport that has long held a special place in the hearts of Fijians at home and abroad.
He did not hold back in his assessment of the Fiji Football Association, accusing the governing body of failing to uphold accountability.
“The current leadership seems to operate without consequence for poor results,” Joseph said.
“When the national team is repeatedly hammered, it’s a direct reflection of the policies, strategies, and decisions made at the top. True leadership means taking responsibility for failures and making difficult changes.”
Joseph has called on all stakeholders including fans, sponsors, the Ex-Fiji Football Reps Association (EFFRA), and the Fijian government to push for reform in the greater interest of the game.
“The performance of our national team is not just an internal matter for the Fiji FA. It impacts national pride and the development of youth. Involving the Minister of Sports, government officials, and the wider public from schoolchildren to parents is essential to build a united front.”
He added that at the very least, the FFA should honour the legacy of those who built the game in Fiji while securing a brighter future for the next generation of players.
“This is a challenge to all stakeholders media, fans, and former players to break the silence and fight for the integrity, honesty, and accountability that football in Fiji deserves,” said the former Rewa, Suva, Nadi and national rep.
Fiji endured an 8-0 humiliation against Hong Kong a match in which captain Tevita Waranaivalu and Ilisoni Logaivau were sent off for dangerous play and also suffered a 3-0 defeat to Thailand.
