Samoa's football mind at work

Local Sports

Saturday, September 21 2024

Asuad Ali

FFS,Techinical Director and interim CEO, Ravinesh KumarRAVINESH Kumar hasn't skipped a beat since being thrust into the Football Federation Samoa (FFS) Technical Director and acting CEO.

An optimist who believes respect, good relationship and work ethics are at the heart of success of an organization.

Kumar shared his experience on the job at hand and expressed exhilaration about Samoa U-16 women’s teams' first ever World Cup qualification.

His first order of business was to transform the sport-from the spectator standpoint to being a contender and spectacle of the nation.

Vision

The FFS adopted in principle to broaden its player recruitment horizon to include Samoan players based overseas.

Kumar’s understanding is that the sport has become competitive world over and to be up against them changers were needed.

“We all need to accept the fact that island nations lag behind in training, development and competition.

“We believe that overseas countries have better training, development, which are in leaps and bounds, better than us locals.”

Kumar felt the need to bring in Samoan players from overseas with roots to the country, who had passports, family support and had the desire to represent.

“There is no harm in getting your own players, who are Samoan heritage to represent parents or grandparents.

“These U-16 players may not be born in Samoa but are willing to giving back to their ancestors and make their families proud.”

Kumar said in-light of being all inclusive, FFS will continue to develop elite footballers in the country.

“Our focus is to continue on with the training and development program, with the aim to improve football in the country.”

Respect and trust

The passionate football coach didn't get to work right away, etiquette is what set him for the job, he recanted.

“Respect, gaining trust and building confidence, it’s all about the power of love," said Kumar.

“It was also about understanding the environment and the culture was very important.

"It is good relationships with staff, executives and the people that is vital."

Working relationship

Kumar says success follows those that are humble, ready to listen for the greater good of the sport and the organization.

“It all comes down to respect, give to get one, it’s a revolving door.

“It’s how we convince and influence individuals, groups and people. Just make everyone feel important.”

Moving forward

Now that Samoa has created history by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2025, Kumar said the team will step up its preparation.

“We need to prepare accordingly to be competitive at the World Cup. “Playing against AFC, CONCACAF, CAF, UEFA and CONMEBOL confederations will not be easy.

"We need to build the team better for the tournament in Morocco.”

Kumar’s future

Kumar owes FFS gratitude for believing in him.

“Samoa believed. And it’s an honour to be part of the organization, I'm ecstatic about sharing my expertise.

“I believe in hard-work. It is an opportunity to learn. With several challenges in Samoa, it’s work in progress, a good learning curve as a technical person of the organization.”

Kumar was the former coach of Fiji U-20 team and was the Technical Director of the 2016 Rio Olympics team.

“What we do in life, we need to do it with clarity, good faith, honesty and character," he said.