The Fiji Football Association has terminated the services of under-20 football coach Rodolfo Zapata following a review of the team’s losses during their tour to Indonesia last month.
Argentinian Zapata was appointed to the position in January to help guide the Digicel Junior Bula Boys to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, also in Indonesia in May.
Fiji Football Association CEO Mohammed Yusuf confirmed Zapata’s departure with Rewa head coach Marika Rodu taking over the coaching duties.
He said Zapata’s dismissal from Fiji FA comes after a consultant conducted a review of the team following three straight losses on their tour to Indonesia last month.
“After the team had arrived from their tour in Indonesia, we had meetings with players, officials, and other staff on the reason for them losing all three of their games during the tour as we have seen that there were many disciplinary issues on the field,” Yusuf said.
“After the review was conducted, it was discovered that the majority of the players on the national side were not happy with the way Zapata coached the team.
“We also came to know that there were several players who wanted to leave camp because they were unhappy with his coaching.”
Zapata took up coaching duties from former coach Ronil Lal. Yusuf said most of the players were not coping with Zapata’s coaching philosophy and methods.
“It probably may be that his method of teaching was not conducive for good learning, so we felt we would have a team ready by the time the World Cup arrives.”
He said this was why an independent consultant was hired.
“This is where we decided that he would be relieved of his duties. But we have Marika and Ronil who have joined the coaching staff for now.”
