Benevolent paternalism and player transition in Fiji soccer: insights from the Global South

James, Kieran E. and Tuidraki, Henry D. and Tanzil, Sheikh A. (2026) Benevolent paternalism and player transition in Fiji soccer: insights from the Global South. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 8 . NA. ISSN 2624-9367

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Abstract

Introduction: Because Fiji is a relatively poor and remote Global South developing country, it is plagued by poor infrastructure, financial problems, and a lack of trained experts who also can relate to athletes in a culturally appropriate manner. In this article, we compare Global North coaching practices with traditional practices in Fiji, which are based mostly on benevolent paternalism and cultural hegemony. A specific focus is the transition of athletes into retirement.
Methods: Case studies of Nadi Soccer Association and Ba Football Association are utilized based on ethnographic data obtained from seven interviews with ex-players, one interview with an ex-administrator, and one interview with an ex-team doctor as well as extended participant-observation.
Results: The Fiji Football Association (FFA) is seen as working hard now to consider the mental and physical welfare of ex-players after a slow start although the primary initiatives have come from ex-player self-help organizations such as Nadi Legends Club.
Discussion: Although better sport coaching and sport psychology can contribute, they need to be conducted in a culturally appropriate way where Indigenous Fijian and Fiji Indian cultures are worked with, and benevolently paternal administrators and coaches are not cast aside or marginalized.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	athlete transitions into retirement, benevolent paternalism, cultural hegemony, Fiji Indians, Fiji islands, Fiji soccer, indigenous Fijians
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions:	School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE)
Depositing User:	Sheik Tanzil
Date Deposited:	17 Feb 2026 23:16
Last Modified:	17 Feb 2026 23:16
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15269

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