Former Nadi football coach Shalen Lal said the reason he resigned was because his coaching ethics had been challenged since the team were coached well during training but were not performing at game time.

Lal was appointed to the job early this year to take over from former Fiji Football Association technical director Ravinesh Kumar.

He handed his resignation last Monday after three successive losses in the Digicel Premier League.

“The team’s training was done well,” Lal told Fiji FA Media.

“But the delivery part on the field was not there and that’s a factor that affected the team.”

“I feel that my coaching ethics are being challenged by doing my best with the team during training but things are not working out during game time.”

“With the same group of players, technicalities and game plan, the players were doing very well but all of a sudden things started to change.”

“We had disappointing losses and that really affected our standings in the DPL.”

“For me personally, I believe Nadi has got a lot of talent with continued guidance and a structured coaching team will do very well in time to come.”

“I really don’t know what is really wrong with the team, as the players were doing well during our preparations (training) but come game time the team is not delivering.”

“Players are our picture during games but things can’t fall in our path if their approach towards the game is not in a positive way.”

“I had a very good time going through these challenges but it has made me a better coach,” he explained.

From left: Nadi assistant coach Emosi Baleinuku, Nadi team manager Abdul Khan and Nadi coach Viliame Toma. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Meanwhile, the change of coach for the Nadi football team is for the best interest of everyone, says Nadi Football’s director administration Mohin Rafiq.

The Esy Kool sponsored side’s 4-0 drubbing to Suva was the final straw for Lal.

He has been replaced by former national football assistant coach Viliame Toma while Emosi Baleinuku will assist him.

Rafiq said this is not the first time for them to bring Toma to their coaching panel to help resurrect the side.

He said the Nadi FA board members have met and made their appointments.

“Toma has gained a lot of respect from the players and fans. He has played for Nadi and has a caliber.”

“Baleinuku was also a great player during his days playing for Nadi and Fiji.”

Toma was with Fiji Football Association understudying the then coach Christophe Gamel.

“This is for the best interest for the team,” added Rafiq.