Players failed - Batirerega

Fiji Sports

Former National team skipper Lorima Batirerega.Heads must roll following the national side’s dismal performance at the OFC Nations Cup in Solomon Islands, says Lorima Batirerega.

The former national soccer skipper lambasted the players for playing with little or no emotions in the tournament that saw them bomb out and also fail to qualify for the next stage of the 2018 World Cup.

“It’s an honour to represent the country and that with a concerted will, anything less is unacceptable,” said Batirerega, who saw better results in his tenure with the national side.

“I believe it all comes down to players and how much they want it. Some of the players have no heart for the national team, who simply make up the numbers.

“Fiji has intelligent footballers; it’s not far-fetched, but the selection criteria needs be to given a second look. The quality needs to be identified for future selections, names just won’t cut it”.

Batirerega said he was disappointed with the overall performance of the players, who played with no urgency and failed considerably to take Fiji to the World Cup playoff stages.

“It was very disappointing see players rush on every play and give up possession or simply send in Hail Mary passes. They couldn’t connect simple passes.”

The former skipper said while the national side’s play has deteriorated, other Pacific island nations have excelled and the results are before the eyes.

“During our days, the national side was feared in the region, but years of anaemic performances have Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Solomon’s swap that label.

“We used to beat them but the tide has changed”.

Batirerega suggests the parent body should take a hard look and recognise the wrongs, and also do more for the national team by way of engaging in international matches then just focusing on local tournaments.

He says the notion that national team was under the weather and that had a bearing on the fitness level just don’t add up.

“The local season starts in February, after week in and out games and a two weekend Fiji FACT to fall on, how on earth the national team players failed to garner the fitness is beyond me.

“Every athlete’s prerogative is to be fit if they want to be the best at their craft,” he said.