Vodafone Fijian Under-17 coach Shalen Lal believes Fiji age group teams need more exposure to perform well onthe international stage.

The side returned from the OFC Under-17 Championship at Stade Pater in Pirae, Tahiti in two separate flights on Thursday.

“The boys gave their best, winning and losing is part of the game,” he said.

“They have learnt a lot and we have potentials for the future.”

The side drew 1-1 with Solomon Islands, defeated Samoa 3-0 and lost 5-0 by eventual winners New Zealand.

“We are looking at more games for the boys and they will do wonders in future.

“These boys need more time to prepare.”

Striker Ratu Kaliova Dau, who was in impressive form, will be out of football for the next seven weeks due to injury on his right leg.

The AD Patel College Year 12 student scored three goals for Fiji in the campaign.

New Zealand and New Caledonia will represent the region for the FIFA World Cup in India 2017 in October.

Edited by Osea Bola

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