Aiyaz Musa said the level of competitiveness from various local and international football teams is expected to intensify in this year’s Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup.

Fiji Football Association board member made the comment as 34 teams are taking in the annual event which ends at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Saturday.

“There are 19 teams from Fiji, 12 boys’ teams seven girls’ teams and 15 teams from overseas in various age groups representing development team, junior, youth and senior teams. Over 400 players are part of this competition,” he said.

“I believe the Ultimate Fiji Cup is all about the holistic development of an individual player to perform to the best his or her ability and also interact with each other during the tournament.

“For most of the local teams competing in the tournament, this is an opportune time to be selected in the extended squad for our national team that will prepare for our Oceania Football Competition qualifying tournaments in 2020.”

Musa commended tournament coordinators for providing a platform for young players to compete on an international level.

International Football Group Representative and Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup Tournament Coordinator Bruce Tilt matches were becoming more strategic however there was a continuous channel for local players to play overseas

“I think New Zealand’s the closest partner for that but we’ve already had players come into Australia.

“I think there’s a huge opportunity because the A-League is expanding a little bit, we’re accepting the fact that is all based on ability and you have that then the world’s your oyster,” he said.

Edited by Osea Bola

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