Soccer: Krishna's wow-factor back at stadium

It is ironic Roy Krishna will have another chance to wow the fans at Trusts Stadium in Sunday's final.

It was on the same ground a little over two years ago that the fresh-faced kid from Labasa arrived with his Fijian teammates at the Oceania Under-20 Championships an unknown and left as the player of the tournament.

He immediately struck a chord with his pace, eye for goal and ability to convert half chances.

Discovered by former Brazilian Carlos Buzzetti, Krishna quickly turned promise into something far greater.

"When I first saw him, I was impressed with how tricky he could be with the ball," said Buzzetti from Fiji this week. "But he had more than that. He also had good vision and from that early age he could read a game and the opposition.

"Even with his small frame, he was never afraid. Coming from South America, I liked the way he played. Without doubt, he is the best player I have seen in my time in Fiji."

Like many, Buzzetti is puzzled why he has not been picked up by an A-League club.

"He can play professionally. No question. He is a good listener and will follow advice.

I know he is ready for the next level . Everyone here is talking about Roy and what he has done. They are very proud of him.

"I'm very happy for him and what he has done for Fijian football. Fiji are now 104 on the Fifa rankings. They have never been that high and he helped get them there."