Oceania Football Confederation mourns death of Fijian under-19 … – Stuff.co.nz

Last updated11:14, July 17 2017

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Francine Lockington was due to travel to New Zealand with her teammates to participate in the OFC under-19 championship (File photo).

The Oceania Football Confederation is mourning the death of Fiji under-19 goalkeeper Francine Lockington, who passed away in Lautoka on Sunday.

Lockington was due to travel to New Zealand with her teammates to participate in the OFC under-19 championship but withdrew shortly before the team departed Fiji for Auckland due to illness.

A promising young talent, Lockington picked up the golden glove award at the OFC under-17 women's championship in 2016, and also won the Fiji FA Women's Footballer of the Year.

OFC president David Chung said his thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time.

REST EASY | Truly devastating to learn Fiji GK Francine Lockington has left us. A rising talent who will be greatly missed by many. pic.twitter.com/BjxMLWTZ0K

"To lose a family member is never easy, and to lose someone with their whole life ahead of them is devastating," Chung said.

"As a father myself I can only imagine what Francine's family are going through. I truly hope our prayers can provide a little comfort for them during this time."

There will be a moment's silence observed ahead of the match between Samoa and Fiji on Monday.

-Stuff

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Oceania Football Confederation mourns death of Fijian under-19 ... - Stuff.co.nz